No.31: System comparison: Matriarchy vs Electric Technocracy
- Mike Miller
- Jun 6
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 7
Matriarchy – The Romanticized Counterpower or Just a Role Reversal?
I. Definition: What is Matriarchy?
Matriarchy describes a social order in which women—particularly mothers—stand at the center of social, economic, and often political power. Unlike authoritarian patriarchy, it is often portrayed as egalitarian and communal, both historically and in anthropological theories.
II. Characteristics of a Matriarchy
Matrilineal Descent: Inheritance and property pass through the female line
Maternal Authority: Women—especially elders—lead social and family structures
Harmonious Value Orientation: Focus on cooperation, care, and cyclical perception of time
Consensus-Based Decision-Making: Rather than power monopolies
III. Weaknesses and Problems
Although matriarchy is often idealized in theory, it also has structural weaknesses:
Role Reversal Instead of Equality
Shifting power to one gender remains problematic—whether male or female. Matriarchy can also marginalize men and leave talents unused
Lack of Political Assertiveness
Historically, matriarchal societies were often decentralized and militarily weak—making long-term self-assertion difficult
Romanticization by Western Ideologies
Many “matriarchy” models (e.g., Mosuo in China) are actually matrifocal—female-centered without formal power structures. The idea of a peaceful “Amazonian state” remains mythological
IV. Historical and Cultural Examples
Society | Characteristics |
Mosuo (China) | Matrilineality, matrifocal household structure, consensus principle, no formal political power for women |
Minangkabau (Indonesia) | Largest matrilineal society today, property inherited through women, men hold religious/political roles |
Mythical Amazons | Legends of warrior women states, no confirmed historical evidence of existence |
V. Comparison to Electronic Technocracy
Matriarchy | Electronic Technocracy |
Gender-based distribution of power | Gender-neutral assignment based on competence |
Traditional role attachment | Decoupling of gender and function |
Culturally locally limited | Globally applicable system of digital participation |
Consensus-based but structurally diffuse | Structured decision-making through transparency and logic |
VI. Conclusion
Matriarchy can be viewed as a cultural alternative that emphasizes values such as care, community, and consensus—but in reality, it often remains powerless, romanticized, or confined to family structures. For global justice and functional equality, a higher-order, integrative system like Electronic Technocracy is needed—one that is based not on gender, but on ability, data, transparency, and fairness.
Wikipedia Links
Deutsch
English
PoliticalWiki: Electric Technocracy
Elektrische Technokratie Podcast & Song
Links:
