Bachofen

I'm sure Bachofen was a brilliant mind, but the collection of writings you reference, I believe, make his assumptions regarding this topic too dated.

TEXAS FAITH: Do religions oppress women? | RELIGION Blog | dallasnews.com 2010

I want to write about Bachofen, but can't write just now.

Too sad to watch? Ann Althouse 2007

"According to the great and decisive discoveries of Bachofen and Morgan in the middle of the nineteenth century, and in spite of the rejection their findings have found in most academic circles, there can be little doubt that there was a matriarchal phase of religion preceding the patriarchal one, at least in many cultures" (54, emphasis mine).

Archive 2005-07-01 Richard Nokes 2005

"According to the great and decisive discoveries of Bachofen and Morgan in the middle of the nineteenth century, and in spite of the rejection their findings have found in most academic circles, there can be little doubt that there was a matriarchal phase of religion preceding the patriarchal one, at least in many cultures" (54, emphasis mine).

"Never let the facts... Richard Nokes 2005

Bachofen used the idea of "sky gods" positively, and said that it meant the rise of law and order ten commandments which applied to everyone universally.

"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Ann Althouse 2006

Bachofen said that matriarchies were distinguished by their use of the moon rather than the sun as the chief symbol, and that night rather than day was privileged.

"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Ann Althouse 2006

Most mythologists think that it originated with a man named Bachofen -- a Swiss jurist and friend of Friedrich Nietzsche.

"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Ann Althouse 2006

Bachofen was a Protestant Swiss: his legal thinking is rather fascinating, and might interest you.

"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Ann Althouse 2006

In point of fact, Bachofen argued that in matriarchy it was ALWAYS a male tyrant who ruled, and that personal desire of the most powerful was the only principle.

"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Ann Althouse 2006

If you go back to the original, Bachofen claimed that matriarchy was a system in which female images were worshipped but that the principle was PROCREATION.

"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Ann Althouse 2006