Description
Book SynopsisThis book is about re-writing the history of cultures from a non-patriarchal perspective, bringing the forgotten matriarchal epoch to light again. It is based on Heide Goettner-Abendroth's pioneering anthropological research on still extant matriarchal societies worldwide, which provided her with a new definition of "matriarchy" as true gender-egalitarian societies. According to modern Matriarchal Studies, matriarchies have never needed patriarchy's hierarchical structures of domination, as they are socially egalitarian, economically balanced, and politically based on consensus decisions.
This is the author's background for re-examining the history of cultures. She criticizes the patriarchal prejudices which abound in archaeological interpretations, and their blindness to the great variety of human social forms. By going deeper into this material she is able to develop a completely different picture of the earliest cultural epochs, which were decisively formed by women,
Trade Review
"In this time of planetary crisis that many of us believe has been caused by the toxic mix of Patriarchy and Capitalism, this book is an answer to the urgent question, 'Where did Patriarchy come from?' Dr. Goettner-Abendroth's profound research and deep alternative perspective bring to light the roots of our present dis-ease and give hope that by knowing the truth of the past we can find a way to heal the future. This book should be required reading for feminists and social change activists everywhere." —Genevieve Vaughan, Philosopher, Author of Many Books and Founder of International Feminists for a Gift Economy
"Dr. Heide Goettner-Abendroth, mother of the discipline of Modern Matriarchal Studies, has produced a long-awaited, groundbreaking study which not only addresses the origins of patriarchy, but more importantly, the long period of human history which preceded it. Covering the period from the Paleolithic to the Iron Age, she takes us on a journey from the earliest mother-centered societies of the Paleolithic, to the matriarchal societies of the Neolithic, and finally to the period when all that remains are matriarchal elements within patriarchal surroundings. Along the way she debunks many cultural myths, including the myth of eternal warfare." —Dr. Joan Cichon, Independent Scholar, Author and Co-director of the Association of Women and Mythology
Table of Contents
List of Illustrations – Acknowledgments – Foreword – Introduction: The Development of Modern Matriarchal Studies and Its Relevance for the History of Cultures – The New Ideology of "Eternal War." Critical Reflections on Early History – Palaeolithic in West Asia, the Mediterranean, and Europe: The Development of Mother-Centered Societies – Neolithic in West Asia: The Invention of Agriculture and the Origin of Matriarchal Societies – Neolithic in the Mediterranean and Europe: The Development of Matriarchal Societies – Bronze Age in the Eurasian Steppe: The Origins of Early Patriarchal Societies and Female Resistance – Bronze Age and Iron Age in West Asia: The Rise of State and Empire – Bronze Age and Iron Age in South Europe: Late Matriarchal Societies and Increasing Patriarchalization – Bronze Age and Iron Age in Europe North of the Alps: Matriarchal Elements in Patriarchal Surroundings – Bibliography – Index.
