What is uxorilocally?

Uxorilocality is a type of marital residence where a married couple lives with or near the wife's family. In this arrangement, the husband moves into the household of his wife's parents or relatives after marriage. This practice is common in many societies where the family structure is matrilineal, i.e., the descent and inheritance are through the mother's side.

Uxorilocality is the opposite of patrilocality, where the married couple lives with or near the husband's family. In the uxorilocal system, the wife's family has a significant influence on the couple's social and economic life. The husband is expected to contribute to the wife's family, such as in agricultural work or domestic chores.

This system of marital residence has some advantages and disadvantages. It helps maintain close ties with the wife's family and can provide a support system for the couple. However, it can also cause conflicts with the husband's family and limit his independence and control over family decisions. Uxorilocality is practiced in many cultures worldwide, including in parts of Africa, Asia, and South America.