* Newly married couples live with or near the wife's family. This is the core characteristic of a matrilocal system.
* The wife's family holds significant power and influence within the community. This is often, but not always, the case in matrilocal societies.
* Descent is often traced through the female line. This is common in matrilocal systems as it reinforces the importance of the wife's family.
* Women may have more control over property and inheritance. This is often the case, as the family's wealth and resources are generally passed down through the female line.
* The husband may have a more subservient role within the family. This is not universally true, but it can be a consequence of the wife's family holding greater influence.
Important Note: It's crucial to understand that matrilocal systems are incredibly diverse and vary widely across different cultures. There is no single "perfect" definition, and many societies that exhibit matrilocal characteristics may also have features of patrilocal or other residence patterns.