Avunculate and Fosterage

Abstract

A survey of the Indo-European peoples shows that most of them knew an affectionate relationship of ego-mother's brother and mother's father in contrast with a more formal relationship -of ego-father and father's family. This is explained by the absence of the patria potestas for the maternal uncle and grandfather. The similarity of the latter roles will account for the derivation of the word for 'uncle' from'the one for 'grandfather'. The survey also shows that the role of the maternal grandfather was not negligible. The preference in fosterage for the maternal family is explained by the principle of education outside the (extended) family. Avunculate and fosterage are no arguments for a supposed matrilineal or matriarchal state.

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