Modern Matriarchal Paradigm As a Radical Alternative

A fertile ground for feminist solidarity, as described by Chandra Talpade Mohanty, grows when alternative struggles around the globe recognise that their fight is not just against imperialist structures, but also against old and recent forms of patriarchy. (Goëttner-Abendroth, 2012) Imagining radical alternatives to globalisation is a sensitive labour, which entails total disruption from fundamentalist ideologies supporting the idea that territorialism and imperialism are a biological human condition. Modern matriarchal studies offers a framework for such imaginations, as it required a radically critical analysis of patriarchy from the very beginning. (Goëttner-Abendroth, 2012) The modern matriarchy paradigm -not to be understood as a mirror to patriarchy- can become a practical tool to imagine and cultivate a new pedagogy that addresses global inequalities, disrupts power relations, attends to ecological repair and emphasises our common humanity. (Murray, Daly, 2023) In terms of spatial planning and design, it fosters possibilities of connecting matriarchal spatial patterns, in order to find common ground in shared struggles. When recognising, and comparing, matriarchal patterns that occur in different, situated contexts of oppression, we can define relations of mutuality that, on the surface, might seem inexistent. Using this framework is a way of exerting epistemic disobedience to empower feminist women and alternative men in western societies, as well as indigenous peoples on every continent, to engage fully in effective political alliances against local and global patriarchal domination. (Goëttner-Abendroth, 2012)