> pass power down to their male descendants Because it makes sense. Passing money and power to a son will help him get a "better" bride. On the other hand, a d

> pass power down to their male descendants Because it makes sense. Passing money and power to a son will help him get a "better" bride. On the other hand, a daughter from a powerful family, even with no own money, will be able to marry a rich, powerful man and improve the overall family's power.