The Myth of Matriarchal Prehistory: Why an Invented Past Will Not Give Women a Future - Hardcover

Eller, Cynthia

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 080706792X ISBN 13: 9780807067925

Publisher: Beacon Pr, 2000

Synopsis

In this lucide and fascinating volume, Eller traces the emergence of feminist matriarchal myth, explicates its functions, and examines the evidence for and against a matriarchal prehistory. Finally, she explains why this vision of peaceful, women-centered prehistory is something feminists should be wary of.

About this title

About the Author

Cynthia Eller is the author of Living in the Lap of the Goddess: The Feminist Spirituality Movement in America (Beacon / 6507-2 / $14.00 pb), a Choice Outstanding Academic Book of 1994, and of Conscientious Objectors and the Second World War. An independent scholar affiliated with Princeton University, she lives in South Orange, New Jersey.

From Publishers Weekly

For decades, Gloria Steinem, Riane Eisler, Marija Gimbutas and other feminist authors have painted a picture of a golden age before the onset of patriarchy, a time when women ruled the earth, and all the world worshipped the Goddess. This bold and provocative book marshals archeological evidence to demonstrate that this gynocentric vision is a myth, and a pernicious one at that. Eller acknowledges that some women find the myth of matriarchal prehistory empowering but insists that it ultimately undermines genuine reform. A myth, she points out, is a weak foundation for a social movement. More to the point, gynocentric myths, she says, perpetuate the same stereotypical notions of femininity that have always served as tools of sexist oppression. Celebrating the positive virtues of motherhood, relationality, embodiedness and ecocentrism as universal feminine traits obscures genuine differences among women and limits female autonomy; as the saying goes, a pedestal is as confining as any small place. Eller's previous book, Living in the Lap of the Goddess: The Feminist Spirituality Movement in America, sympathetically described women's spiritual quests for self-validation and empowerment. Her new work affirms these goals while cautioning feminists against letting their fantasies about a past matriarchy distract them from taking real steps to end patriarchy today. Passionately argued, engagingly written, this vital book is certain to inspire wide--and much-needed--debate. (Apr.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Beacon Pr
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 080706792X
• ISBN 13: 9780807067925
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 276