Max Dashu, Riane Eisler, and Starhawk discuss ancient gynocentric societies, challenging stereotypes, exploring matrilineal societies, and the possibility of creating a gynocentric culture in the 21st century.
Patriarchy arose from the incursions of nomadic herders and shifted towards domination instead of partnership in post-civilization societies.
Pre-patriarchal societies, like foraging societies, were more peaceful and had gender equality in roles, nutrition, and status.
Creating a partnership society involves challenging traditional gender stereotypes and promoting fluid gender roles.
Deep dives
Origin of Patriarchy: Shift Towards Domination
Patriarchy began with the incursions and invasions of nomadic herders who brought with them the domestication of women. After civilization resumed, it shifted more towards domination than partnership. In pre-patriarchal societies, such as matrifocal societies, men and women had more equal roles, and there was a practice of alloparenting, where multiple group members cared for the young. Archaeological findings, like graves of priestesses, mirrors, and hierarchies of actualization, suggest a more egalitarian society focused on nurturing and supporting life rather than dominating.
Life in Pre-Patriarchal Societies
Pre-patriarchal societies, like foraging societies, were more peaceful and oriented towards partnership. There were differences in roles between men and women, but men also participated in childcare. Daily tasks included hunting, gathering, and caring for the young. There are archaeological indications of gender equality and no signs of significant gender-based inequality in nutrition or status. Evidence also suggests that spiritual figures, like priestesses, held important positions and were not elevated above the rest of the community.
Building a Partnership Society
Creating a partnership society involves valuing diversity and promoting fluid gender roles. This means challenging traditional gender stereotypes and allowing for more egalitarian sharing of caregiving responsibilities. Men are increasingly taking on nurturing roles, like breastfeeding and childcare, while women are entering positions of leadership. The goal is not to abolish gender, but to create a society where gender roles are more equal and respectful of the differences between men and women.
The Shift to Patriarchy and War
The podcast discusses the shift from matri-focal societies to patriarchal cultures, primarily driven by invasions of patriarchal cultures and the rise of war. It highlights the connection between patriarchy and war, as war requires the subordination of women and the devaluation of femininity. The speaker emphasizes the need to understand the complexity of historical and cultural factors that contributed to the shift to patriarchy.
Envisioning a Gynecentric Culture
The podcast explores the concept of a gynecentric culture, which centers around and prioritizes the female experience, perspective, and well-being. It emphasizes the importance of imagination and envisioning a society that is radically different from the current male-dominated culture. The speaker suggests that lesbian feminist communities of the past can serve as examples of gynecentric cultures, as they prioritize women's interests and challenge societal norms. The episode encourages women to develop a feminist consciousness and think beyond the limitations of the current reality.
Greetings and Happy New Year! The team at WLRN is proud to share our first podcast of 2018, Edition 21: Ancient Gynocentric Societies.
Photo of Babylonia, goddess Ishtar or Ereshkigal 'Queen of the Night' 18th C. BC by monopthalmos on flickr.
This edition focuses on the developments and relics of woman-centric societies throughout history. Our guests Max Dashu, Riane Eisler, and Starhawk shared what they know about the herstories of woman-centric communities.
Now is the perfect time to set a feminist resolution for the year ahead: let us move forward in strength and sisterhood toward a more gynocentric future!
This month’s podcast starts with a friendly introduction by Amanda. Next comes WLRN’s world headlines written and read by Thistle. “Night Woman” by Carolyn Hillyer’ segues into Sekhmet SheOwl’s interview with Max Dashu, founder of the Suppressed Histories Archives. Then we hear excerpts from Julia’s interview with Starhawk, ecofeminist witch and founder of Reclaiming, an activist branch of modern Pagan religion. After Patty Griffin’s “Icicles” comes Thistle’s interview with Riane Eisler, cultural historian whose international bestseller, The Chalice and The Blade, introduces a new framework for analyzing the sex roles of women and men and their ensuing relationships. Finally, “On the Other Side of Here” by Gabrielle Roth & The Mirrors brings us to Sekhmet’s commentary, an honest reflection on the possibilities of gynocentrism in the 21st century.
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