Matriarchy facts for kids
Matriarchy is a type of social system where women hold the primary positions of power. In a matriarchy, women usually have the most authority in the family, the community, and the government. They may also control property and make important decisions for the group.
The word comes from the Latin word mater (meaning "mother") and the Ancient Greek word arkhein (meaning "to rule"). So, it literally translates to "rule by mothers."
It is the opposite of patriarchy, which is a system where men hold the most power. While there are many societies where men rule, true matriarchies where women rule over men in every way are very rare or may not exist in a strict sense. However, there are many cultures where women are the leaders of the family and have great influence in society.
Contents
Meaning and Definition
Different experts define matriarchy in different ways.
- General Definition: A society ruled by women, especially mothers.
- Anthropology: A culture where the mother is the head of the family and descent (family line) is traced through her.
- Feminism: Some writers use the term to describe a society where women and men are equal partners, rather than one ruling over the other.
It is important not to confuse matriarchy with other similar terms:
- Matrilineality: This means tracing family ancestry through the mother's line. Children belong to their mother's clan, not their father's.
- Matrilocal: This describes a custom where a married couple lives with or near the wife's family.
Examples in History and Culture
Although a society where women completely rule over men is hard to find, many cultures have strong matriarchal traditions. In these groups, women are central to the family and community life.
The Mosuo People
The Mosuo people live near Tibet in China. They are often called a matriarchal society. In Mosuo culture, women are the head of the household. The grandmother is usually the most powerful person in the family.
Property is passed down from mother to daughter. Mosuo women make most of the business decisions. They do not have traditional marriage like in the West. Instead, women stay in their own family homes, and men visit them. Children are raised by their mothers and the mother's family.
The Minangkabau
The Minangkabau people of Indonesia are the largest matrilineal society in the world. While they practice Islam, which is often patriarchal, their local customs focus on women.
In this culture, women own the land and the houses. Property is passed from mother to daughter. Men are responsible for political and religious leadership, but they must have the support of the women to lead effectively.
Native American Tribes
Several Native American tribes in North America have systems where women hold great power.
- The Hopi: The Hopi people in Arizona are matrilineal. Children are born into the mother's clan. In the past, the Clan Mother had the power to decide how land was used. Women were central to the home and family life.
- The Iroquois: The Iroquois Confederacy (Haudenosaunee) gave women important political roles. The Clan Mothers were the ones who chose the male chiefs. If a chief did not do a good job, the women could remove him from power. Women also had to agree before the tribe could go to war.
The Village of Umoja
In Kenya, there is a village called Umoja. It was founded in 1990 as a safe place for women. The women who started the village were fleeing from violence and unsafe situations in their original homes.
No men are allowed to live in Umoja. The women run the village themselves. They earn money by making jewelry and showing tourists their culture. They make all the decisions for their community and educate their children. It is a modern example of a community led entirely by women.
Ancient Vietnam
In ancient Vietnam, before Chinese influence grew strong, women held high status. There are legends of the Trưng Sisters, who led a rebellion against Chinese rule in 40 AD. They raised an army that included many female officers. They are still celebrated as national heroes in Vietnam today.
Legends and Stories
Throughout history, people have told stories about societies ruled by women. These myths often explore the idea of female power.
The Amazons
The most famous legend is about the Amazons. In Greek mythology, the Amazons were a tribe of warrior women. They lived without men and were famous for their bravery and fighting skills. They were said to be excellent archers and horse riders.
Ancient Greek historians, like Herodotus, wrote about them as if they were real. While the stories are myths, archaeologists have found graves of ancient women warriors in the region where the Amazons were said to live. This suggests the myths might be based on real women who fought in battles.
Prehistoric Goddesses
Some archaeologists believe that in very ancient times (the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras), people worshipped a Mother Goddess. Statues like the "Venus figurines" have been found across Europe.
Scholars like Marija Gimbutas suggested that these societies were "matristic," meaning they focused on women and were peaceful. However, not all scientists agree with this theory. Some say that worshipping a goddess does not prove that women ruled the society.
Ideas about Women in Power
Over time, people have debated whether women should rule.
- Historical Views: In the past, some men argued against female rulers. For example, in the 16th century, John Knox wrote a book arguing that it was against nature for women to rule over kingdoms.
- Feminist Views: In the 19th and 20th centuries, women's rights activists (feminists) began to challenge these ideas. Leaders like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Charlotte Perkins Gilman imagined a world where women had equal power or even led the government. They believed that women would bring peace and fairness to society.
Matriarchy in Animals
In the animal kingdom, there are several species where females are the leaders. Scientists sometimes call these "matriarchal" groups.
- Elephants: Elephant herds are led by the oldest and largest female, known as the matriarch. She uses her memory to lead the herd to water and food.
- Orcas (Killer Whales): Orca pods are led by older females. Offspring stay with their mothers for their entire lives.
- Spotted Hyenas: Female hyenas are larger and more aggressive than males. They rank higher in the social order and get to eat first.
- Bonobos: These great apes live in groups where females are dominant. They use cooperation to maintain peace and settle conflicts.
- Bees and Ants: These insects live in colonies ruled by a Queen. The Queen is the mother of all the bees or ants in the hive.
See also
In Spanish: Matriarcado para niños
- Gynocentrism
- Gender role
- Patriarchy
- Trưng sisters
- Amazon (mythology)
- Matrilineality
