They practice patriarchal residence patterns. Homes in the village are large enough to hold immediate families. Their homes are not considered permanent therefore, they are constructed using simple materials that are easily replaced, but are not the most sturdy. Diet among the Hmong consists mainly of rice, vegetables such as beans, squash, and carrots, and melons. Women also spend a lot of free time on embroidery in clothing.
Men spend time hunting for small game and birds to supplement their diet.
Men hold public positions of power and prestige, while women are in charge of everything in the homes. Men are the public voices for their families With the Hmong, the bride's family gives a dowry to the groom's family right before the marriage. Women typically marry younger than men. Once they marry, the bride will move to the groom's village. There they will get their own home, which is a symbol of prestige.