The Myth of Matriarchal Prehistory: Why an Invented Past Won't Give Women a Future
According to the myth of matriarchal prehistory, men and women lived together peacefully before recorded history, worshipping the Goddess and holding women in high esteem. Then a transformation occurred, and men thereafter dominated society.
Does this story have any basis in fact? And as a myth, does it work for the good of women? Cynthia Eller traces the emergence of feminist matriarchal myth, discusses its functions, and examines the evidence for and against prehistoric matriarchal societies. Finally, she explains why this vision of peaceful, woman-centered prehistory is something of which feminists should be wary.
According to the myth of matriarchal prehistory, men and women lived together peacefully before recorded history, worshipping the Goddess and holding women in high esteem. Then a transformation occurred, and men thereafter dominated society.
Does this story have any basis in fact? And as a myth, does it work for the good of women? Cynthia Eller traces the emergence of feminist matriarchal myth, discusses its functions, and examines the evidence for and against prehistoric matriarchal societies. Finally, she explains why this vision of peaceful, woman-centered prehistory is something of which feminists should be wary.
