Matriarchal and patriarchal societies are organized differently, with matriarchies centering around mother rule and females at the top, while patriarchies involve male dominance and control. Some existing matriarchal societies include the Mosuo people of China, where inheritance and family decisions follow the female line, and the Umoja Tribe of Kenya founded by Rebbeca Lolosoli, where women own land and livestock. However, most animal species and human societies exhibit patriarchy. While progress has been made, many countries still struggle with gender inequalities and issues like violence against women. Moving forward, discussions are needed to overcome stereotypes and bridge understanding between all individuals.

1. Difference between
“MATRIARCHY” and “PATRIARCHY”
Presented by:
NADIA BSM19-20
AREEBA SAEED BSM19-44
HIRAT BATOOL BSM19-41
NABIYA FAROOQ BSM19-39
HAMZA MUSHTAQ BSM19-48
Submitted to:
Respected Madam Nabiha Fatima

2.  Definition of ‘patriarchy’ and ‘matriarchy’.
 Structure and formation patriarchal and matriarchal societies.
 Origin of the two systems and the anthropological record
suggesting the advent of matriarchy and patriarchy.
 Evidences from nature of animals and humans.
 Existing societies operating on any one the two systems.
 Changing dynamics of Matriarchy and Patriarchy.
 Conclusion (Bridge the Gap).

3. The term ‘MATRIARCHY’ is
derived from the Greek
words, ‘mater’
meaning mother and
’achian’ to rule.
Matriarchy:
The term ‘PATRIARCHY’ is
derived form the Greek words
‘patria’ meaning father, and
‘archian’ meaning’ to rule.
Patriarchy:

4. Matriarchy is a social
system organized
around the mother rule
in which mothers or
females are at the top of
the power structure.
The social system in
which men hold primary
power and predominate
in roles of political
leadership, moral
authority, social
privilege and control of
property.

5. • A system of social structures and practices in which men
dominate, oppress and exploit women.
- SYLVIA WALBY*
• An integral system where male dominance is enforced by
violence which is a product of war ; the control of female sexuality
ensures the transfer of private property and the system as a whole is
legitimized by religion.
- CAROL P. CHRIST*
* Sylvia Theresa Walby is a British Sociologist Currently working at Lancaster University.
* CAROL P. CHRIST is a historian, theologian, author and foremother of the Goddess movement.
Patriarchy:

6. Matriarchy:
 “ A system where female rule prevails.”
- WILLIAM A. HAVILAND*
 “A system of social organization in which descent and
Inheritance are traced through female line.”
*WILLIAM A. HAVILAND is a Professor of anthropology at the University of Vermont..
Chapel of mother Goddess

7. Political
power
Predominate in
roles
Of moral
authority
Have social privilege
Have control over family title
and
property
MEN

8. •What Comes before, The
Matriarchal and Patriarchal
structures?

9. • During a time period( 2 million years ago to 2000bc ) known as the “Gynocratic
Age” women were allegedly worshipped and praised for their ability to
give birth since childbirth was a great mystery to men at that time.
(Gloria Steinem in her book Wonder Woman”1972)
• Greek Goddesses represent the importance of women's role in society in the
Middle Ages.
• ( Swiss anthropologist Johann Jakob Bachofen )
• According to Robert Graves, an English poet, human society was pre dominantly
matrilineal and matriarchal until societal pressure led to the eventual
downfall of gynocentrism.
• Women were worshipped because they were considered superior whereas men
were on the periphery; an interchangeable body of worshippers of the
female center or principle of life.
( Cynthia Eller quoting Steinem in her book “ The myth of Matriarchal Prehistory” )

10. • Archaeologists from Stanford found an 8000 years old ‘ Goddess figurine’ at a
Neolithic site in central Turkey. This structure represents a woman of
social prominence.
• Literature such as Bible ( The virgin Mary ) and Homer’s The Odyssey highlight the
importance of women in the middle ages.
• The Book of Epoch ( excluded from Bible ) contains many stories built around strong
women characters.

11. • Patriarchy developed over a period of 2500 years from 3100 BC to
600BC, at different pace in different societies.
• Men appropriated themselves of women’s sexual rights with the
formation of private property.
• According to Gloria Steinem,
“ The discovery of paternity, of sexual cause and
childbirth effect was cataclysmic for society. Gradually the idea of
nomadic tribes took hold and men began to claim the ownership of
children and women.”
• Thus, the conflicts, wars, weapons, hierarchy all are responsible for the
giving in of a CULTURAL MODEL, the patriarchy.
*WILLIAM A. HAVILAND is a Professor of anthropology at the University of Vermont..

13. • Although known as the ‘King of jungle’, the African
lion actually forms female led prides.
• Lioness stay in the area in which there born which
gives them the advantage of knowing where
to find the best watering holes and hunting
grounds.
• Females also cooperate on hunts, defending their
territory .
AFRICAN LIONESS:

14. SPOTTED HYENA:
• Female spotted hyenas dominate clans.
• They are physically larger than males and in
command during conflicts.
AFRICAN ELPHANTS:
• Matriarchs in them live long and give
experience to draw on.
ORCA:
• Female led schools of orca live through their knowledge
of the location of salmon filled waters.

15. Honey bees
Ant Queens:
Honey bees
Lemur female

16. • Out of 76 species of animal mammals, only 7 show matriarchy.
The rest show male dominance.
• For example in Chimpanzees, Wolves, Zebras, Rhinoceros,
Labroids dimidiates( fish) etc, males are the supreme
authority figure.
• Males lead the clans for hunting, struggle to hold political
positions and punish those who betray.

18. Mosou (NA) / Mosa:
•Location:
Living in Yuman and Sichuan provinces of China.
• Population: Approximately 40,000
• Language: Musua Dialect
• Religion: Daba and Tibetan Buddhism.
• Women make business decisions, head the tribe and inheritance
is traced through female line.

19. Matriarch of Musou:
• The matriarch is the head of the family.
• She decides the fate of all other family members.
• Women take part in all the work done in the house
and make financial decisions.
Adoption:
• If a couple has no offspring, a child from a
different house can join them.
Walking marriage:
• Men and women stay under the same roof during day but
move to women’s house at night*.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuhd3lRF7CY
Documentary :

20. Umoja Tribe:
• Location: In Sumbura county of Kenya
• Founder: Rebbeca Lolosoli
• Sumbura women are allowed to own land and
livestock.
• They have subordinate position in their society.
• They make and sell jewelry .
Men are allowed to visit village but not live in it.

21. India(with a population of 1.37 billion) :
 According to survey nearly 87% of respondents have
voted that India is still a “Patriarchial Society”
(Consulted with survey of Suparnaa Chadda 2016)
 Equal rights exists for women according to Indian
Constitution. But difficulties and inequalities are still
there!!
 Rape
 Force marriages.

22. Pakistan:
• World gender gap report 2014 states that Pakistani is
standing on 141th among 142 countries. Among world worst
places for women to live.
• In Pakistani society, according to a mindset MALES are
considered superior. And FEMALES are playing an inferior
role according to a mindset
• Force marriages.
• Social family problems.
• Illiteracy in a special area for girls.
• Economies crisis .

24. •Heide Goettner Abendroth* idea about matriarchy (“In matriarchies, mothers are at
the centre of culture without ruling over other members of society.” The aim, she
explains to Dame magazine, “is not to have power over others and over nature, but to
follow maternal values, ie to nurture the natural, social and cultural life based on
mutual respect”).
• Patriarchy Powers over other, Matriarchy Powers from within.
• Nor we are talking about Wonder Woman and her hidden island of Amazon
Warriors. That is to say, matriarchy isn’t really about women ruling over men.
• The Elephants as Iconic matriarchs.
• Aristotle called females “Mutilated males” (someone without souls)
• Rising women employment
*Heide Goettner-Abendroth, matriarchy expert and founder of The International Academy Hagia for Modern Matriarchal Studies

25. • Edsell explains that she has always been drawn to the idea of
matriarchal societies, “the idea of women living a more
egalitarian lifestyle, with strong community bonds and a
healthy bartering system that is supportive rather than
exclusive; wise rather than merely strong”. She stresses: “I
don’t see it as a society that oppresses men; more a society
that values instinct as much as intellect, receptivity as much
as assertiveness, collaboration as much as individualism
and empathy as much as objectivity.”
• “Through the years, older females become ‘repositories’ of social and
ecological knowledge. So, natural leadership qualities and long
experience combined are the makings of a wise matriarch.”
*Catherine Edsell is an expedition leader and founder of Matriarch Adventures.

26.  No proper forms for discussions.
 Lack of understanding between
individuals.
 Stereotypes everywhere.
 Illiteracy in lower class.
 Shortage of Subjective mindsets.
 Debates instead of disscusions.

27. We need to

28.  Myth of Matriarchy
 Origin of patriarchy
 Documentary of BBC
 Desert patriarchy.
 Heide Goettner Abendroth research.

29. Questions? If any!