matriarchát

Matriarchát is a term used in anthropology and sociology to describe a social system where women hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property. In such a society, the mother or eldest female is the head of the family, and descent is traced through the female line. This is in contrast to a patriarchy, where men hold the dominant positions.

The concept of matriarchy has been debated among scholars. Some argue that historical or contemporary examples of true matriarchies are rare or nonexistent, suggesting that many societies described as matriarchal may actually be matrilineal, meaning descent is traced through the mother but power is not necessarily held exclusively by women. Others propose that matriarchal societies may have existed in prehistory or in small, isolated communities, often associated with agricultural societies or specific cultural traditions.

Research into potential matriarchal societies often focuses on kinship structures, inheritance patterns, and the division of labor. While clear-cut examples of modern political matriarchies are uncommon, some cultures exhibit strong female influence and leadership in specific domains, such as spiritual or economic spheres, even within broader patriarchal structures. The study of matriarchát continues to be an area of interest for understanding diverse forms of social organization and gender roles throughout human history and across different cultures.