When you want to learn about a culture, it is important to look at the family unit and its importance and how it is viewed. The Aztec Family unit looks much different than the traditional view of an American family, and this is due to the influences within the culture.
Aztec Family: Marriage
Aztec society was a patriarchal society in which the men led the family and ruled within the government.
The Aztec family was structured with the man as the head of the home and his primary wife. His primary wife was given the most significant ceremony, and the children he had with her were considered his inheritors.
The husband usually had many wives who were considered secondary wives, and ideally, he was supposed to treat each of his wives equally. The children from these marriages were not considered his inheritors.
Usually, the wealthy members of Aztec society had large families with many wives, while it was more common for the poor citizens to have one wife.
Women had much power, but as time continued and the Aztecs became a larger empire, it seemed as if the influence and power of women dwindled. While they still had much influence on their families, their influence in public life waned, especially those who were not considered the primary wife.
Ironically, adultery was a capital crime. So, women who share a husband could be put to death if they cheated on their husband with another man, but the man could have many sexual relationships with women as long he married them. It was a contradiction, but one that was common within the ancient world.
Aztec Family: Contrast
The family structure was much different than that of the Europeans. Europeans had become influenced by the Bible, which promoted one wife and shook off the polygamy practices of the previous centuries. However, the sexual promiscuity was similar in both cultures.
It was common for the Spanish under Hernan Cortes to pillage and rape the native women that lived throughout Mexico. The Aztecs followed similar practices.
Aztec Family: Age Progression
Education fell to the parents, and there were different branches of education as the child became older.
Aztec society was built on the warrior, so much of their education was a military education. As a result, their discipline was often harsh, and would try and prepare the child for Aztec realities. Kids often grew up well-mannered and disciplined.
Being such a military society, it was common for families to break up due to a father's long absence or death on the battlefield.
If an Aztec survived to old age, they would become known as ueuetque and considered a wise member of society. They would become esteemed members within the culture. Their health care was based on Aztec religion and ritual.