gynaecocracy
UK: ˌɡaɪnɪˈkɒkrəsi | US: ˌɡaɪnɪˈkɑːkrəsi
n. a political system governed by women; female dominance in leadership or rule.
The word gynaecocracy combines two Greek morphemes: gynaeco- (derived from gynē, meaning "woman") and -cracy (from -kratia, meaning "rule" or "power"). It directly translates to "rule by women," paralleling terms like democracy ("rule by the people") and aristocracy ("rule by the elite"). The term emerged in the 17th century, reflecting societal debates about gender and governance. While rare in practice, it serves as a conceptual counterpart to patriarchy.
Ancient myths occasionally depict gynaecocracy as a utopian alternative to patriarchal systems.
The historian argued that the Amazons symbolized a form of gynaecocracy in classical literature.
Critics dismissed the idea of gynaecocracy as impractical during the Enlightenment era.
Modern feminist scholars revisit gynaecocracy as a theoretical framework for gender-balanced leadership.
The novel imagined a futuristic gynaecocracy where women held all key political offices.