matrifocal

American  

[ma-truh-foh-kuhl, mey-] / ˌmæ trəˈfoʊ kəl, ˌmeɪ- /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or designating a family unit or structure headed by the mother and lacking a father permanently or for extended periods.

2. focused or centered on the mother.

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Etymology

Origin of matrifocal

First recorded in 1950–55; matri- + focal

Explanation

A matrifocal society or family is centered on mothers, who serve as primary caregivers, decision makers, and connectors within the family. The word matrifocal joins the Latin root matr-, "mother," with focal, an adjectival form of focus, meaning "center of activity or attention." A matrifocal family structure has the mother as the hub, or center, of household activity, and perhaps a network of female relatives — grandmothers and aunts — who support each other. Fathers may be present, but their role is generally less stable or consistent. When wars or economic crises cause fathers to be absent for long periods of time, families may become matrifocal.