What does matriarchy mean?
Matriarchy is a system in which women hold the principal power, whether in a family, community, or broader society. In its narrower sense, it describes a family whose authority is centered on a senior woman, often the eldest mother or grandmother. In its broader sense, the word refers to a social or political arrangement characterized by female leadership and control of important institutions. The term is most common in historical, anthropological, and political discussions, where it is often contrasted with patriarchy, the corresponding system of male authority. It should not be confused with matrilineal: matriarchy identifies who holds power, whereas matrilineal describes how kinship, descent, or inheritance is traced. Although “matriarchy” can be used literally, it also appears in literary and cultural descriptions of societies imagined or documented as being ruled by women.
nounA social, political, or family system in which women hold primary authority and leadership, especially one headed by a matriarch. The term can also refer more generally to a society characterized by female power.
- A social or political system in which women hold primary power and authority.
- A family organization in which the eldest or most senior woman is the dominant authority figure.
"The novel depicts a matriarchy in which the eldest daughter inherits the estate and manages the family’s affairs."
"Historians have examined matriarchies in several small-scale societies."
"In the story’s matriarchy, property passes through the female line."
The standard plural is “matriarchies.”
"The study compares matriarchies across several regions."
Matriarchy turns the familiar idea of a “patriarchy” on its head: in a matriarchy, the oldest woman may be the family’s final authority.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does matriarchy come from?
Matriarchy was formed in the early 19th century from Greek mētēr, “mother,” and archia, “rule” or “government.” Its formation follows the pattern of compounds such as patriarchy, with the meaning shifted from female descent to a system governed by women. The Greek root mētēr also underlies English words including mother, maternal, and matrimony.
Related word forms
How matriarchy is actually used
The term is often used analytically in history, anthropology, and political theory. It is distinct from “matrilineal,” which concerns descent through women rather than necessarily indicating who holds authority.
Easily confused with matriarchy
A matriarchy is a system in which women hold primary authority, whereas a patriarchy is one in which men hold primary authority.
A matriarchy concerns who holds political or familial authority, while matrilineal describes descent or inheritance traced through the female line.