Re-thinking ‘Matriarchy’ in Modern Matriarchal Studies using two examples: The Khasi and the Mosuo

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe new field of modern Matriarchal Studies calls non-patriarchal societies ‘matriarchal.’ Traditional research on matriarchy is laden with unclear definitions and excessive emotionality. Lacking a clear scientific definition of ‘matriarchy,’ the term has been misunderstood as ‘rule by women,’ provoking a lasting, ideologically distorted prejudice against it. Modern matriarchal studies reorients the field with precise definitions, an explicit methodology, and a theoretical framework (Introduction). This article argues for the importance of retaining the term ‘matriarchy’ and using a new and adequate structural definition of matriarchal societies to understand their deep structure. My argument derives inductively from my cross-cultural research on existing indigenous societies, emphasizing their economic, social, political, and cultural features. Matriarchies will be shown to be gender-egalitarian and consensus-based societies, actively promoting peace and sustainablity by various well-conceived guidelines (Part 1). A brief description of two such societies follows: the Khasi of Northeastern India and the Mosuo of Southwestern China. The focus is not on their ethnographic similarities and differences, but on what makes them ‘matriarchies’ and how the definition can embrace a certain variety, deepening our understanding of these societies (Part 2). Concluding remarks summarize the preceding discussion and highlight the political relevance of this topic.