Gynarchy vs. Matriarchy — What's the Difference?

Government by women.

Matriarchy is a social system in which women hold the primary power positions in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege and control of property. While those definitions apply in general English, definitions specific to the disciplines of anthropology and feminism differ in some respects.

A government ruled by a woman or women.

A social system in which the mother is head of the family.

Government by a woman or women.

A family, community, or society based on this system or governed by women.

Government by a woman.

The collection of women in positions of power, especially in such a social system or community. In all senses also called matriarchate.

A social system in which the mother is head of household, having authority over men and children.

A system of government by females (particularly as a kind of polity).

The dominance of women in social or cultural systems.

A form of social organization in which a female is the family head and title is traced through the female line