Matriarchy: meaning, definitions and examples
👩👧👧
matriarchy
[ ˈmeɪtriˌɑːrki ]
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.