Matriarchal Societies

Dr. Heide Goettner-Abendroth, while on a tour of North America in 2013, discussed her latest book translated into English: “Matriarchal Societies: Studies on Indigenous Cultures Across the Globe.” She was interviewed in Canada by Kristin Schwartz. The author explained that matriarchy does not mean rule by women, but rather that mothers/mother figures are the central organizers of these societies that prioritize the welfare of children, consensus decision-making, and role divisions based upon individuals’ gender role choices rather than on biological sex lines. Dr. Heide Goettner-Abendroth is a German feminist and scholar, a founder of the modern matriarchal studies movement, and of the International Academy for Modern Matriarchal Studies and Matriarchal Spirituality (HAGIA).

The Women’s International News Gathering Service (WINGS) has been covering the global women’s movement and related issues for community radio since 1986. WINGS may be contacted at  [email protected].


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