Patriarchy and Matriarchy Key Difference
Patriarchy and Matriarchy are two distinct social systems with a key difference between them. In different parts of the world, patriarchy and matriarchy have been observed since ancient times. A patriarchal system is a social structure in which the father is the head of the household, while in a matriarchal system, the mother is the head of the household. Therefore, the main difference between patriarchy and matriarchy is that in the patriarchal system, the father acts as the head of the household, while in the matriarchal system, it is the mother.
Key Takeaways
- A patriarchal system is a social system in which the father is the head of the household, while a matriarchal system is a social system in which the mother is the head of the household.
- In a patriarchal society, males dominate in all social, political, economic, legal, and cultural roles, while in a matriarchal society, the governance of the society is in the hands of women.
- Property ownership in patriarchal systems goes to males, while in matriarchal systems, it goes to females.
What is Patriarchy?
In a patriarchal system, the father is the head of the household. However, this is not limited to the household alone; it can be extended to the entire society where males dominate in all social, political, economic, legal, and cultural roles. For example, in most patriarchal societies, women were very much confined to the domestic sphere, where they were completely cut off from the realities of the society. One of the best examples of this can be taken from the Victorian era, where women were considered delicate, fragile, and ignorant beings. Jane Austen, in her novels such as Pride and Prejudice, clearly depicts the social climate during a patriarchal reign. From this, we can understand that the lives of women in a patriarchal society are that of complete dependence.
In the patriarchal society, even philosophers such as Aristotle believed that women were inferior to men in all aspects. This emphasized the idea that the inferiority of women was not limited to biological differences but went as further as intellectual differences. However, feminist theories on patriarchy highlight that this is merely another social system that has been created to oppress women.
What is Matriarchy?
A matriarchal system is a social system in which the mother is the head of the household. In a matriarchal society, the governance of the society is also in the hands of women. When examining human history, there is very little evidence of matriarchal societies because most confuse an egalitarian society or matrilineal society with a matriarchal society. The Mosuo culture in China can be considered a matriarchal society. In this society, females are the head of the household, and women dominate economic activities. Also, in the Mosuo culture, inheritance is through the female line.
However, myths of the Amazon society can be considered a clear matriarchal society. This is because, in Amazon societies, women ruled the society. To be more explicit, Amazon queens were elected to rule over the people. They also acted as warriors and hunters.
What is the difference between Patriarchy and Matriarchy?
Definitions of Patriarchy and Matriarchy:
Patriarchy: A patriarchal system is a social system in which the father is the head of the household.
Matriarchy: A matriarchal system is a social system in which the mother is the head of the household.
Characteristics of Patriarchy and Matriarchy:
Head of the Household:
Patriarchy: Father is the head of the household.
Matriarchy: Mother is the head of the household.
Power:
Patriarchy: In a patriarchal system, the father has more power and control over others.
Matriarchy: In a matriarchal system, the mother has more power and control over others.
Property Ownership:
Patriarchy: The ownership of property goes to males.
Matriarchy: The ownership of property goes to females.
Governance:
Patriarchy: The society is governed by males.
Matriarchy: The society is governed by females.
