Matriarchal Societies of the Past and the Rise of Patriarchy: West Asia and Europe

This book rewrites history from a non-patriarchal perspective, highlighting the forgotten matriarchal epoch. It is based on pioneering research on matriarchal societies worldwide and argues that matriarchies are socially egalitarian, economically balanced, and politically based on consensus decisions. The author challenges patriarchal prejudices in archaeological interpretations and provides a logical explanation for the rise of patriarchy based on archaeological findings. The book covers the development in West Asia and Europe from the Palaeolithic to the Bronze Age, offering revolutionary insights relevant to social and historical sciences. It debunks cultural myths and provides hope for healing the future by understanding the roots of patriarchy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 514 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2022
Publisher: Peter Lang Publishing Inc

This book is a groundbreaking exploration of the history of cultures from a non-patriarchal perspective, shedding light on the forgotten matriarchal epoch. Based on extensive anthropological research on matriarchal societies worldwide, the author redefines matriarchy as true gender-egalitarian societies. Contrary to popular belief, matriarchies do not require patriarchal hierarchical structures of domination, as they are socially egalitarian, economically balanced, and politically based on consensus decisions.

The author's background in re-examining the history of cultures stems from her criticism of patriarchal prejudices in archaeological interpretations and their failure to recognize the diverse range of human social forms. By delving deeper into this material, she presents a radically different portrayal of the earliest cultural epochs, which were shaped by women, motherhood, and maternal values. Moreover, the book offers a logical and detailed explanation for the rise of patriarchy, grounded in archaeological findings rather than speculation, making it highly valid.

Spanning from the Palaeolithic to the Bronze Age, this book offers revolutionary insights relevant to all social and historical sciences. Dr. Heide Goettner-Abendroth, the mother of Modern Matriarchal Studies, has produced a long-awaited and groundbreaking study that not only addresses the origins of patriarchy but also delves into the long period of human history preceding it. Through her comprehensive coverage of this period, the author takes readers on a journey of discovery, providing a fresh perspective on our past.

Weight: 856g
Dimension: 158 x 236 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781433191176
Edition number: New ed