How did the family structure differ from native Americans and west Africans?

Native American family structures often varied widely among tribes, with some practicing matrilineal descent, where lineage and inheritance passed through the mother's line, while others were more patrilineal. In contrast, West African family structures were typically extended, emphasizing kinship ties that included not just immediate family but also a broader network of relatives. Both cultures placed a strong emphasis on community and collective responsibilities, but their specific practices and norms around marriage, inheritance, and child-rearing differed significantly due to cultural beliefs and social organization.