Those who live scattered throughout the rugged, fertile countryside work primarily as wet rice farmers. Known as the world's largest matrilineal people, Minangkabau properties and family names are passed down through the women. Marriages are usually arranged by a representative of the family. Young married couples usually live with the wife's mother or another of the wife's relatives. The woman is expected to manage both a career and the home.
Land is owned collectively and centers around the great-grandmother.
Decisions regarding land usage are made by consensus with an elected male elder presiding. Many Minangkabau men leave home seeking wealth and respect. Perhaps this explains why divorce is a very common occurrence. The Minangkabau possess a wide variety of cultural abilities. Worldwide attention has been given to their distinct styles of art, music, architecture, poetry, and literature.