Succession

/səkˈsɛʃ.ən/ noun

Definition

Succession is the process by which one person or thing follows another in order, especially in taking over a job, title, or position.

Etymology

From Latin 'successio' meaning 'a following, a coming after', from 'succedere' (to follow after). It was used for royal and legal contexts where power or property passed to the next in line.

Kelly Says

Succession is the invisible bridge between 'who’s in charge now' and 'who’s next'. Nature has its own version too—ecological succession, where one type of ecosystem slowly hands the stage to another.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Succession laws and customs in many societies favored male heirs, excluding or subordinating women in inheritance and leadership. This shaped political dynasties, property rights, and corporate succession planning.

Inclusive Usage

When discussing succession, note whether rules are or were gendered, and avoid assuming a male default successor in examples or hypotheticals.

Empowerment Note

Highlight legal reforms and individual women who challenged male-preference succession, expanding women's rights to inherit and lead.

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