Re: OT Matriarchy (WAS: Re: Simple translation exercise?)

>>I'm in no position to evaluate the trustworthiness of my sources on this
topic, but I'm told that some Amazonian groups are matriarchical, and that
traditional society (or at least one traditional society) on New Caledonia
is too.<<

Completely matriarchal? I doubt it. Also, I've read that many cultures in
the Amazon are greatly patriarchial, using warfare to gain the women that
their own population lacks due to female infanticide, both overt and
covert.

>>What is supposed to be particular relevant vis-a-vis feminism and
related
topics in the present-day western ideosphere is that despite women
wieldling most of the socio-political power in these societies, they
nevertheless have quite traditional gender-roles.

                                                  Andreas<<

While there are cases where women do hold much social and political power
(in Navajo and Pueblo societies, for example, or precolonial New England
cultures), they are not matriarchies in the strictest sense, as the men
still hold quite a bit of power. Something close to matriarchy may exist,
as in Navajo society, which is matrilineal and matrilocal (meaning, when a
couple marries, they move into the woman's residence). Yet I doubt these
culture's socio-political systems are completely dominated by women.
On another note, define "traditional gender roles". Gender roles vary from
culture to culture, and what one culture views as a female or male gender
role might be different in another culture.

>>Supposedly this is also the case in Madagascar.  There is robust
evidence for matriarchal societies, even if most of the biggest cultural
areas are patriarchal.<<

Do you happen to have any sources on this? Not that I'm doubting your
credibility, I'd just like to know, so I could possibly find it. I'm
getting the feeling that I should read a lot more anthropological reports.

In any case, I'm not sure what classifies as a matriarchy, to be honest;
whether complete social/political control is held by women or if it's just
most. I will say that as far as I know, there has never been complete
matriarchy. Not being an expert, tho (yet ;) ), I'm not sure.

Noelle

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