Final answer:
In matrilineal descent groups, authority is usually held by senior men such as a woman's brother or maternal uncle, who manage family resources and inheritance.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a matrilineal descent group, authority within the household does not rest solely with the women, despite the fact that inheritance and family ties are traced through the female line. Senior men in the family, such as a woman's brother or maternal uncle, typically exercise leadership roles. They make decisions regarding family resources and discipline, ensuring that political power and possessions are passed down to nephews and other maternal relatives. The central male figure for boys in these societies is often their mother's brother, rather than their biological father.