[Anders]

Originally Posted by Astromancer

I still say that, since the definition of "Patriarchy" is "an oppressive oligarchy of men only, or with very limited cases of female participation," matriarchy would be the same with women doing the oppression. Now a matriarchy would logically have different hang-ups.

A good example of a hang-up that Patriarchies have that Matriarchies wouldn't is "purity of lineage." Since a woman knows the child is hers when she gives birth, all the stress on chastity and fidelity typical of Patriarchy would make far less sense. This would radically alter the relationship between the sexes. Marriage is about making sure the child is the "Child of the Father." Everyone would know who the "Child of the Mother" was. It would need no emphasis.

The primary male caregiver to the children would probably be maternal uncles - if your sister has given birth you know that you're related to the child. Of course, an Analyze Heredity spell solves that. Many societies have hangups around menstruations - there could be something similar around wet dreams (from males).