Matriarchy: meaning, definitions and examples

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matriarchy

 

[ ˈmeɪtriˌɑːrki ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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

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:

🇵🇹 matriarcado

🇮🇳 मातृसत्ता

🇩🇪 Matriarchat

🇮🇩 matriarki

🇺🇦 матріархат

🇵🇱 matriarchat

🇯🇵 母系社会 (ぼけいしゃかい)

🇫🇷 matriarcat

🇪🇸 matriarcado

🇹🇷 anaerkil toplum

🇰🇷 모계 사회 (모계사회)

🇸🇦 النظام الأمومي

🇨🇿 matriarchát

🇸🇰 matriarchát

🇨🇳 母系社会 (mǔxì shèhuì)

🇸🇮 matriarhat

🇮🇸 móðurveldi

🇰🇿 матриархат

🇬🇪 მატრიარქატი (matriarkati)

🇦🇿 matriarxat

🇲🇽 matriarcado

Word origin

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.