Slave families were often matrifocal, meaning they were centered around the mother figure. This was partly due to the instability caused by the potential for family members, especially men, to be sold away. Women frequently took on the central role in maintaining family structure and continuity under these challenging conditions.

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Slave Families

Question 71

Multiple Choice

Slave families

A) were rare because there were too few female slaves.
B) were more common in the West Indies, where living conditions favored their formation and survival.
C) were headed by women more frequently than were white families.
D) usually were able to stay together because most slaveowners were paternalistic.
E) avoided naming children for family members because children so often were sold, and it was better not to build strong kinship ties.

Correct Answer: