Editor's Note: This article provides a general overview of a complex historical and social issue. It is important to acknowledge the diversity of experiences and the ongoing evolution of inheritance practices in the United States.
Here comes another topic with a deep dive, folks!
I do enjoy learning and sharing with you, how and why we as a society do what we do. This column involves research on farm inheritance trends.
To start, for a long time in North America it has almost always been a son that inherits the family farm and business. This legacy stems from a confluence of historical, cultural and economic factors, deeply intertwined with European traditions and the realities of early American society.
European Feudalism
The concept of primogeniture, where the eldest son inherited the majority of the family’s property, is rooted in European feudalism.
This system was designed to maintain the power and influence of landed aristocracies by concentrating wealth and land within a single heir. While not universal, the practice became a cornerstone of many European inheritance laws and significantly influenced social structures.
Patriarchal norms, where men held dominant positions in society, and women were often relegated to domestic roles, further reinforced male-biased inheritance. The belief men were better suited to manage property and carry on family legacies became deeply ingrained in social and legal systems.
Early America and the Frontier
These European traditions significantly shaped inheritance practices in early America. The frontier environment, with its focus on land ownership and agricultural livelihoods, further solidified the importance of male heirs.
Men were often the primary breadwinners, working the land and building farms, which led to a strong association between land ownership and male heads of households.
Let it be noted though that women were providing the support system for those men, holding down the home front cooking meals, doing laundry, raising kids and, in many instances, holding off-farm jobs to help bring in income to continue running the farm.
Indigenous Traditions
While European-derived inheritance practices dominated much of American history, it’s crucial to acknowledge the existence of diverse Indigenous traditions.
Many Indigenous nations in North America had matrilineal systems, where lineage and inheritance were traced through the mother’s side of the family.
Which makes a lot of sense, because you know who knows which kids are actually theirs? The mothers that birth them. There’s no denying that. Fatherhood was historically much harder to prove.
These examples demonstrate matrilineal systems, where women held significant social and economic power, that existed within North America prior to European colonization.
Iroquois Confederacy
This powerful confederacy of Indigenous nations is a prime example. Women played a significant role in selecting and deposing leaders, and clan membership and inheritance were determined matrilineally.
Family lineage and inheritance were traced through the mother’s side, meaning children belonged to their mother’s clan, not their father’s.
Powerful women known as “Clan Mothers” held significant authority within their clans, playing a crucial role in selecting chiefs, overseeing important decisions, and managing the community’s affairs.
Although men served as chiefs, they were nominated and could be removed from their positions by the Clan Mothers, demonstrating their substantial political influence.
Women also had control over property and resources, contributing to their economic power within the society.
Muscogee (Creek Society)
Women also held considerable influence in social and political matters, including property ownership and clan leadership.
In these tribes, women and men performed complementary yet distinct tasks. Men hunted fur-bearing animals for food and trade and waged war, while the women cultivated agriculture, which was the most important responsibility in Creek society.
The Impact on Land Ownership
The historical legacy of male-biased inheritance continues to influence land ownership patterns in the United States.
While women are increasingly involved in agriculture, the majority of land ownership still tends to be concentrated in male hands. This disparity reflects the historical and cultural factors that have shaped land ownership patterns over centuries.
According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, women own approximately 43% of U.S. farmland and operate 36% of U.S. farms.
The Evolving Landscape
While male-biased inheritance has been the norm for centuries, significant shifts are underway:
• Women are increasingly involved in all aspects of agriculture, from farm labor to management and ownership.
• Societal attitudes toward gender roles are evolving, leading to a greater recognition of women’s rights and contributions.
• Inheritance laws are becoming more equitable, with increased recognition of women’s property rights and the ability to inherit and own land.
Moving Forward
Addressing the historical legacy of bias in inheritance requires a multi-pronged approach:
• Fostering greater gender equity in all aspects of society, including economic empowerment and legal rights.
• Providing resources and support for women farmers, including access to land, credit and education.
• Ensuring inheritance laws are equitable and do not discriminate based on gender.
So basically, (in my opinion) basing inheritance of the family farm and business off who has the most skill and willpower to take it over and make it thrive is the most common sense option. Not just defaulting to who has the Y chromosome.
By acknowledging the historical roots of inheritance practices and actively working toward a more equitable future, the U.S. can create a stronger and more diversified agricultural landscape for all.
