What Does matriarchy Mean
The first thing we are going to indicate is the etymological origin of the term matriarchy that now occupies us. Specifically, we can state that it is a word that is the result of the sum of the following lexical components:
-The Latin noun “mater”, which means “mother”.
-The Greek element “arche”, which is used to indicate “power” or “principle”.
-The Latin suffix “-ado”, which is used to show “result”.
The notion of matriarchy refers to a form of social organization in which women hold power . By extension, the female preponderance in a group is called matriarchy .
It is often claimed that matriarchies developed in certain primitive peoples. However, there are those who claim that there is no historical evidence regarding the generalized predominance of women over men in any community.
The idea of matriarchy, however, alludes to a type of society that has women occupying the main role in terms of the management of politics, the economy and family life. The opposite is patriarchy , where man has control and authority.
Although gender equality advances throughout the world, most societies today are patriarchal . Numerous studies show that men hold top positions and earn more money than women. In a matriarchy, the situation would be reversed.
Beyond the debate about the existence of some matriarchy throughout history , anthropologists recognize matrilinearity and matrilineage in different groups. A matrilineal organization, in this framework, is based on the prevalence of the maternal line. This means that the ascription of possessions and even social prestige come through the mother and not the father.
In any case, matrilineage does not imply a matriarchy, although matriarchy does include matrilineage. In a matriarchy, the woman assumes the leadership and sets the foundations of social interactions, leaving the man subordinate to her.
Today the largest matriarchy, the largest matriarchal society, currently in existence is considered to be in Sumatra, Indonesia. This society responds to the name of the Minangkabau, which have about 4.2 million members.
It is based on the fact that the woman transmits the Adat, which is the philosophy that reigns in her and that is identified because it is more important to be than to have. Likewise, in this society its structure is made up of matrilineal clans and properties are inherited through women. Moreover, apparently when a couple marries, it is the husband who has to move to live with his wife. Not to mention that it is her family that pays a dowry to his family.
Also, another example of matriarchy is the one that exists in Tibet. We are referring to the Mosuo, which is a society in which in each house there is a matriarch and where property is inherited through the woman's line as well.