Have you ever dissected the structure of the society we live in? It’s only when you leave the bubble you grew up in that you really meet the harsh reality. We live in a westernized patriarchal society, it’s been that way for the past 5 millenniums!
Patriarchy is described as a social system in which males hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege and control of property. In the domain of the family, fathers or father-figures hold authority over women and children. Some patriarchal societies are also patrilineal, meaning that property and title are inherited by the male lineage.
But what existed before patriarchy? What existed 5000 years ago? That, ladies and gentlemen, was the gynecocratic age, where woman thrived and flourished!
I came across an article written by Cynthia Eller that gave an interesting description of this age, “Once upon a time, the many cultures of this world were all part of the gynecocratic age. Paternity had not yet been discovered, and it was thought that women bore fruit like trees—when they were ripe. Childbirth was mysterious. It was vital. And it was envied. Women were worshipped because of it, were considered superior because of it. Men were on the periphery—an interchangeable body of workers for, and worshippers of, the female center, the principle of life.”
Men, could you imagine yourself in such a society? It was when paternity and ideas of ownership evolved that patriarchy took its first breath of life. And ladies, we allowed it! We grew that seed of insecurity and being less than human. And boy, did it take long for us to break free from such ideologies. But here we are and now we are stronger than ever!
Believe it or not, matriarchal societies still exist in isolated areas in Africa and Asia. Lineage is passed from mother to daughter, many do not even believe in marriage. Studies conducted have noted there is almost no domestic violence present in this society structure, everyone has a role and serves as a constructive member.
This generation is a generation of dreamers! We are busy changing and shaping this society to one where everyone belongs. I haven’t seen so many protests, where people unite on issues that are truly important. Seeking social justice for one another and freedom for all. What is your dream for the world and what are you doing to give it life?