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Out of curiosity I wanted to know the more specific gender roles of Holomog, a matriarchal nation on Golarion. So I looked up the roles of women and men in such societies. I found that there are similarities between some matriarchies but they can vary quite a bit from one another. I was hoping if anybody could help me speculate on what some of those gender roles might be.
Here's what I have so far from the one article of Anuli from the book Distant Shores:
Positions of power seem to be predominately held by women. In fact almost every single named person in the article save one were women. But that one was the minister of Farms and Beasts. That means that men can hold power but it's rare, or there might be certain jobs/roles that's considered to be a mans job. I think it might be the first case because there apparently was once a man who had a chance to become the Omwa. (The leader of the country.) It's decided through a magic ritual, but he was killed by it. That means a man could achieve, in a societal sense, the ultimate position of power in the country. If its that case it could also mean that woman might be on average seen as being more responsible, competent or even disposable then men.
In the book there was a side bar on Families in Holomog which I am going to copy and paste here. (And hope I don't get in trouble with a moderator for that.)
Most of Holomog’s population is divided up into clans 12 to 200 strong, made of the eldest mother—called the house mother—and her siblings and descendants by both blood and adoption. Personal property is treasured but generally humble, while the clan as a whole owns land, businesses, ships, legacies, and other major properties. The house mother’s sisters and daughters advise her and manage individual concerns, while other family members develop their own trades, often traveling or having children before the politics, careers, or clan affairs become too demanding. Holomog has no tradition of marriage. Individuals belong to their mother’s clan unless adopted into another family in the wake of tragedy or as reward for performing a great service. Romances are generally short and passionate—lasting only a few months or years—before lovers part ways amicably, and even the longest liaisons rarely see anyone adopted into a new clan. Men help raise their nieces and nephews, and while all Holoma know the identities of their mothers, it’s rare for Holoma to know their biological fathers or, if they do, to spend nearly as much time with them as with their uncles.
On a side not I just want to take a moment to praise the author of this article, who I believe was Crystal Frasier, for doing such a great job identifying how actual matriarchies work instead of just making them gender-swap patriarchies. Good Work!
I don't know if women and men are both allowed to go to school or even if they are allowed to take the same disciplines. For example women might be allowed to go to school to become fighters, wizards and whatnot while men might only allowed to learn a trade like fishing or farming. If that's the case, it might also mean that men might not be allowed to go to war and that's seen as women's work.
Another culturally significant role is the religious one. Can either gender be the heads of faith in Holomog society? There are two female clerics mentioned in Distant Shores, which might be fair to say that women are a significant part of the main clergy. The one male however is a Druid. Which means that men are allowed to take active roles in religion. However it's hard to say if either gender takes a more significant role in religious services.
I'm also curious about how mating rituals work. For example in one matriarchy on our own planet, when selecting a mate, women will be a little shy and coy. While in another matriarchy, (The Garo people) if a woman had a arranged marriage to/found a husband, the groom is expected to run away from her until she captures him and brings him back to her village. This goes back and forth until the man accepts the proposal or the woman gives up. It also not hard to imagine the women of Holomog being more aggressive in regards to pursuing a romantic partner as well.
Sexuality would be interesting to know too. Although Paizo likes to typically be inclusive with all kinds of sexuality's in their setting. Which is a good thing. So Holomog probably has no negative views of homosexuality and other kinds of atypical by north american standards of sexuality.
Here is a link to a website that's a Q.A about a guy who live in a Matriarchal society for a time to help.
Also, if anybody knows if the culture of Holomog is based on an actual society, could they please post it?