matrifocal family

The Caribbean family has been the subject of continuing scholarly attention since the 1930s, likely due to the seemingly matrifocal family structure.

A matrifocal family structure is one where mothers head families and fathers play a less important role in the home and in bringing up children.

The family structure that results from the marriage strategies of the English speaking Caribbean, often called the matrifocal family, was first described and identified by Nancie Gonzalez in her work on the Garifuna of Nicaragua and Belize.