virilocal residence

anthropology

Also known as: patrilocal residence

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July 14, 2026

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In anthropology, virilocal residence refers to the practice where a newly married couple lives with or near the husband's kin. This custom is also known as patrilocality. It is one of several postmarital residence patterns studied by anthropologists, which examine the location of a domicile, particularly after marriage, as it is a point where biological and marital kinship combine. Other residence patterns include neolocal (establishing an independent home), matrilocal or uxorilocal (living with the wife's kin), and bilocal (alternating between both sets of kin). The establishment of residence after marriage signifies potential shifts in social alignments.12

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South American nomad
Composite bands
…in the male line) and patrilocal (a wife resided with her husband’s lineage and band).
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…in the male line) and patrilocal (a wife resided with her husband’s lineage and band).
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residence
…the rule of patrilocality or virilocal residence; if they live with or near the kin of the wife, the residence is said to be matrilocal or uxorilocal. When the couple alternates between the wife’s group and the husband’s group, their household arrangements are called bilocal residence.
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…the rule of patrilocality or virilocal residence; if they live with or near the kin of the wife, the residence is said to be matrilocal or uxorilocal. When the couple alternates between the wife’s group and the husband’s group, their household arrangements are called bilocal residence.
Read More