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The patriarchy isn’t as old or as universal as we believe it to be. The idea that unfair treatment, harmful stereotypes, and violence against women stretches deep into our past is nothing but a conspiracy, says the National Geographic.
The inevitability of patriarchy: Sociologist Steven Goldberg argues in his book of the same name that the patriarchy stems from significant biological differences between the two sexes that cause the system to exist regardless of the state of human society. He believed that no matter what changed, men — biologically stronger and more aggressive — would always come out on top.
So how come exceptions exist? Matrilineal societies, where women are the ones in positions of power in the community, with even names and properties being passed from mother to daughter instead of father to son, have been observed over human history and still exist today. Scholars have studied these societies, and theorize that it can only survive in small-scale societies or in those where men are often absent. Others pinpoint the death of matriliny to when we started raising cattle, causing men to covet control of property and resources.
Research from Vanderbilt University found that matrilineal societies cannot be easily categorized or explained by simple theories. Of the 1.1k societies studied by researchers, 590 of them are traditionally patriarchal. 160 were matriarchal, and 362 recognized lineage from both sides. Matriarchal societies showcased the most variation in power dynamics, often sharing authority with men, rather than practicing outright female supremacy.
Do we need a history of equality to have an equal future? Political theorist Anne Phillips suggests that oppressing others “[does not] come naturally to people,” and that if given the chance, anyone would choose equality and justice in their society. Goldberg believes that since the patriarchy prevails, women must biologically be primed for it. But Phillips asks that if women were naturally subordinate, why does the history of patriarchy always run tangentially to a history of women fighting for their rights?
