What term describes family patterns and power distribution within the household?

The term that best describes family patterns and power distribution within the household is patriarchy. Patriarchy refers to a social system where men hold primary power, and roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property are primarily assigned to men. This concept has historically influenced the organization of family structures, particularly in many cultures where men are often seen as the heads of households, making decisions and exerting authority within the family unit.

In examining the other terms, matriarchy typically describes a social system where women hold primary power and authority, which is less common and less well-documented in historical contexts. Kinship refers to the social relationships that connect individuals through family ties, but it does not specifically address the power dynamics or decision-making hierarchies. Hierarchy describes a broader system of organization in which entities are ranked one above the other based on authority or status, but like kinship, it does not specifically focus on family patterns. Thus, in the context of family power structures, patriarchy is the most accurate term to describe the dynamics.