Peggy Reeves Sanday

This is, first and foremost, an ethnography of the Minangkabau people. As such, it's chock full of detailed descriptions of their culture, food, ceremonies, kinship relationships, etc. It's all interesting, but people not interested in anthropology may find some of the descriptions wear on too long.

This book also challenges Western view of a "matriarchy" by presenting the Minangkabau, who self-identify as a matriarchy. Let's get this straight: This ain't the Western feminist ideal or show more anything. Gender roles are in place, the sexes are generally segregated, and men hold the political power. Sanday's argument, however, is that none of this matters. She uses the matrilineal Minangkabau as an example of a society that is female-centered. Instead of placing value in aggression and dominance - as patriarchal cultures do - they value nurturing and motherhood. Despite the lack of political power, she argues that women form the bedrock of the society in their power over ceremony and social interaction.

It's an interesting and thought-provoking read. show less