Matriarchy: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ง
matriarchy
[ หmeษชtriหษหrki ]
social structure
A system of society or government ruled by a woman or women. In a matriarchy, females hold the primary power positions in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property. This concept contrasts with patriarchy, which is a system where men hold the primary power positions.
Synonyms
female-led society, mother-rule.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
matriarchy |
This term refers to a social system where women, particularly mothers, hold primary power and authority. It is often used in anthropological, sociological, and historical discussions.
|
female-led society |
This phrase is used to describe a community or group where leadership roles and decision-making processes are predominantly held by women. It is commonly used in modern discussions about gender equality and social structures.
|
mother-rule |
This term has a similar meaning to 'matriarchy' but with a slightly more specific focus on the role of mothers in governance. It is less commonly used and can sometimes have a slightly archaic or negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- Many indigenous societies were matriarchal, with women playing key roles in decision-making processes.
- In a matriarchy, inheritance is often traced through the female line rather than the male line.
Translations
Translations of the word "matriarchy" in other languages:
๐ต๐น matriarcado
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฎเคพเคคเฅเคธเคคเฅเคคเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Matriarchat
๐ฎ๐ฉ matriarki
๐บ๐ฆ ะผะฐัััะฐัั ะฐั
๐ต๐ฑ matriarchat
๐ฏ๐ต ๆฏ็ณป็คพไผ (ใผใใใใใใ)
๐ซ๐ท matriarcat
๐ช๐ธ matriarcado
๐น๐ท anaerkil toplum
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ชจ๊ณ ์ฌํ (๋ชจ๊ณ์ฌํ)
๐ธ๐ฆ ุงููุธุงู ุงูุฃู ูู ู
๐จ๐ฟ matriarchรกt
๐ธ๐ฐ matriarchรกt
๐จ๐ณ ๆฏ็ณป็คพไผ (mวxรฌ shรจhuรฌ)
๐ธ๐ฎ matriarhat
๐ฎ๐ธ mรณรฐurveldi
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะผะฐััะธะฐัั ะฐั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแขแ แแแ แฅแแขแ (matriarkati)
๐ฆ๐ฟ matriarxat
๐ฒ๐ฝ matriarcado
Etymology
The term 'matriarchy' comes from the Greek words 'mater' meaning mother and 'archein' meaning to rule. The concept of matriarchy has been a subject of anthropological and sociological study, with some scholars arguing that true matriarchal societies have been rare or non-existent in human history. The idea of matriarchy has often been used to challenge traditional gender roles and power dynamics.
See also: matriarch.