Word: Matriarchy
Definition:
A "matriarchy" is a type of social organization where women hold the most power, especially in family roles. In a matriarchal society, the mother or female leader is the head of the family, and people's family connections and inheritance (the things you pass down to your children) are traced through the mother’s side rather than the father's.
Usage Instructions:
You can use "matriarchy" to talk about societies, cultures, or families where women have significant authority and leadership. This word is often used in discussions about gender roles and societal structures.
Example Sentence:
"In a matriarchy, women often make important decisions for the family, and property is inherited from mothers to daughters."
Advanced Usage:
The term "matriarchy" can also be discussed in contrast to "patriarchy," which is a social system where men hold the power. Scholars often analyze how different cultures embody these structures.
Word Variants:
- Matriarchal (adjective): Describing something that is related to a matriarchy.
Example: "In a matriarchal society, women often play key roles in governance."
Different Meaning:
While "matriarchy" primarily refers to a social structure, it can also be used more generally to describe any situation where women dominate in terms of leadership or influence.
Synonyms:
- Female-led society - Women-led family
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "matriarchy," but you might hear phrases like "run the show" or "call the shots," which refer to someone being in control or making decisions.
Conclusion:
Understanding the concept of a matriarchy helps us appreciate the variety of social structures that exist around the world.