"Let's start with family first, then, since you asked about it." She pulls up a chair to a close, but respectable distance away. "Family hierarchy starts with the oldest generation. The father or mother who runs the household - because it could very well be either - can choose to be... "in charge" of the others if they wish." This isn't the case in her family, but she can see very well how it might be. "They have wishes for their family that can't be disregarded and strive to help or encourage the younger generations to do their best. Everyone "under" them falls in descending order of power, from their children to their grandchildren and so on. And then, when their children are grown and they require being taken care of, they pass on the head of household title to the next generation and it begins again."

She pauses for a moment, frowning thoughtfully. "Perhaps that's a bit vague. Would you like more details?"