Final answer:
Patriclans were fundamental to the social and political structure of Roman society, with patricians holding exclusive political power and maintaining aristocratic power through patrilineal succession.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patrician clans, or patriclans, played a significant role in Roman society and its hierarchical structure. These clans were composed of patricians, who were members of the elite class that monopolized political positions, in contrast to the common people, known as plebeians. Patricians claimed descent from the nobility associated with the first Senate under Romulus, emphasizing a strong ancestral importance and lineage. Their status afforded them exclusive access to public offices and privileges that were initially denied to plebeians. Over time, however, societal structures evolved, and the distinctions between patrician and plebeian status diminished, particularly after the creation of the Roman Republic.
Patriarchal values emphasized by patrician clans fostered a society deeply rooted in patrilineal succession, as seen with the Western Jin emperor adopting sons for his brothers without heirs. This notion of patrilinealism helped sustain the power and continuity of these aristocratic families. The commitment to family rituals and patrilineality contributed to the resilience and influence of big clans across generations.