A mechanism in object-oriented programming where a new class (child) automatically receives the properties and methods of an existing class (parent), allowing code reuse and creating hierarchical relationships between classes.
From Latin 'hereditare' meaning to inherit or receive as an heir. Legal and biological contexts described the passing of traits or property from parent to offspring. Programming adopted the term in the 1960s to describe how classes can inherit characteristics from other classes, maintaining the family relationship metaphor.
Inheritance is like genetic traits in families - just as you might inherit your mom's eyes and your dad's height, a 'SportsCar' class can inherit wheels and an engine from a 'Vehicle' class while adding its own turbo boost feature. It's nature's way of not reinventing the wheel!
Inheritance laws in many societies historically favored male heirs and restricted women’s rights to own or inherit property. Language about inheritance often normalized patrilineal transfer as the default.
When discussing inheritance, acknowledge historical gender biases in property rights and avoid assuming male heirs as the norm.
Highlight women’s legal and political struggles to secure equal inheritance rights and economic autonomy.
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