What is meant by a matriarchy?

A matriarchy refers to a family organization or societal structure in which females, particularly mothers, hold primary power and authority. This can manifest in various ways, such as women leading households, making decisions, and inheriting property or titles. In a matriarchal system, lineage and heritage may be traced through the mother rather than the father, highlighting the central role of women in both familial and societal contexts.

In contrast to this definition, other options do not accurately capture the essence of a matriarchy. For example, a structure dominated by men points to patriarchy, while roles assigned equally describes an egalitarian framework rather than a matriarchal one. Lastly, the idea of a society where gender roles are nonexistent fails to encompass the specific power dynamics that characterize a matriarchy, as it suggests a complete lack of gender-based roles rather than an emphasis on female dominance.