Why Can’t Matriarchies Build Civilizations?

The assumption that only a patriarchal structure can lead to the creation and sustenance of civilizations is a deeply rooted paradigm in the study of human history. However, this view is often flawed, reflecting a skewed perspective that undervalues the contributions of women to the development and preservation of societies. This article delves into the historical and biological realities that challenge this notion, drawing insights from both theory and reality.

The Role of Women in Civilization

Let's begin by examining the crucial role women have played in the development of civilizations throughout history. Without women, there would hardly be any civilization to speak of. Women have borne, nurtured, and protected future generations for centuries, often making significant sacrifices in the process. In stark contrast, men have created much but have also been known to destroy what they have built.

Women are the only stabilizing and predictable force in history, primarily due to their fundamental biological role in reproduction. While men may seem more disposable and are more likely to engage in activities that require sustained focus and physical exertion, women's biological roles make them indispensable. The physical effort and enduring commitment required to bear and raise children are monumental tasks that require not just time but also strength and sacrifice.

Biological Realities and Societal Structure

The organization of civilizations is inherently based on the biological realities of both sexes. Each sex is best suited for specific tasks that are crucial for the survival and prosperity of a society. While men are more often found on the ends of the intelligence and talent spectrums, women are usually at the middle, making them excellent at performing a wide range of smaller tasks simultaneously.

Men are more suited to tasks that require singular focus, such as governing, building, and engaging in labor-intensive activities. This allows them to take on roles that require long-term commitment and strategic thinking, which is necessary for the development of large-scale civilizations. However, their strength and inclination to take risks make them more likely to die in the process. Women, on the other hand, are often found within the middle of these spectrums, balancing multiple smaller tasks efficiently, which is necessary for the day-to-day maintenance of a household and family.

Matriarchal Societies in History and Theory

There have been some cultures that are matrilineal, indicating that the lineage and inheritance are traced through the maternal line. However, full matriarchies, where women hold the primary power and control, are a rare occurrence. The idea that matriarchies could have initiated urbanization in Eastern Europe, as suggested by some theorists, is an interesting but controversial hypothesis. While the evidence for such a claim is not conclusive, it highlights the need to evaluate the historical and sociological contexts rather than making broad assumptions.

Many fantasy writers have created models to show how matriarchies could function, but reality often diverges from these theoretical constructs. In global history, we see that most societies have been patriarchal, but this does not mean that women have not been powerful. In many cultures, women have held significant roles, especially within the family and in governance. For instance, the Queen Mother played a crucial role in running ancient kingdoms, demonstrating the power and influence of women within these structures.

Complementary Roles in Societal Development

What makes a civilization thrive is the complementary roles of both men and women, working together to build and sustain it. The division of labor that works in real life is often different from theoretical constructs. For example, in the sphere of agriculture, cooking, and cleaning, women perform the labor-intensive tasks, while men often engage in more risk-taking activities. However, women's role in bearing and raising children remains the backbone of any society, ensuring the continuity and prosperity of civilization.

To conclude, the idea that only a patriarchal structure can build and sustain civilizations is a flawed assumption. Instead, it is the balanced and complementary roles of both men and women, working together, that are essential for the development and preservation of a civilization. The historical and biological realities reinforce the importance of both genders in shaping the course of human civilization.