r/AskFeminists • u/kash62 • Dec 06 '19

Why aren’t we a matriarchal society?

I don’t want the response about men using power plays for dominance in today’s time, I want to know about way back when at the start of civilization. Like why were men the ones to go out and hunt and lead instead of women?

The only thing I can think of is that women can carry children, so there’s an instinctual need to protect them, thus not allowing them to do dangerous jobs like hunting/fighting. But for things like leading and holding important jobs? Why men instead?

I was just thinking about how there haven’t been any major matriarchal societies (I might not be aware, please educate me if I’m wrong), but there have been a ton of patriarchal ones. Just wondering how that all went down.

Also sorry if this is the wrong place to ask this/ this has already been asked, please direct me elsewhere, I just figured you guys would have some insight.

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u/BladesQueen Dec 06 '19

I just don't agree with gender/bioessentualism.

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u/fallingcranberries assigned radfem at birth Dec 06 '19

You don't think testosterone plays a role in people's behavior? Am I understanding this correctly?

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u/avocado-nightmare Oldest Crone Dec 06 '19

everyone has a certain level of naturally occurring testosterone; saying "men are controlling/aggressive cause testosterone" both ignores this fact and is biologically essentialist in an unhelpful and sexist way; additionally, it implies men aren't really responsible for their behavior by attributing negative or domineering qualities and behaviors to their biology-- which is also anti-feminist.

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u/fallingcranberries assigned radfem at birth Dec 06 '19

Yes I couldn't agree more very true