The Gentle Matriarchy of the 21st Century: An Analysis of Moral Foundations and Salvadoran Politics

The patriarchy debate has long divided opinion, but today we’re exploring an alternative perspective. Contradictory to feminist ideas, some argue that the 21st-century West lives under a “soft matriarchy”. In this article, we demystify this notion by examining the moral foundations that shape our society, while exploring an innovative policy implemented in El Salvador.

Moral Foundations and Gentle Matriarchy

Contemporary society is often interpreted through the prism of male leaders and wealthy individuals. However, to understand how our society really works, it’s essential to analyze the predominant values. According to the author, the 21st century West is characterized by a “soft matriarchy”, where feminine values, such as compassion, play a central role.

To decipher these values, we draw on Jonathan Haidt’s theory of moral foundations. This identifies five fundamental moral foundations: care/prejudice, justice/reciprocity, loyalty, authority/hierarchy, and purity/sacredness. These foundations, present in all individuals, manifest themselves differently according to political orientation and gender.

Analysis of Moral Foundations

In politics, the left is characterized by a strong sensitivity to care/prejudice and justice/reciprocity, while the right balances these fundamentals to a greater extent. Women, on the other hand, attach particular importance to care/prejudice, justice/reciprocity, and purity.

This predominance of care/prejudice in today’s society explains the emergence of values based on compassion, benevolence and prevention. This compassion, often described as “matriarchal”, has influenced various aspects of our daily lives, from politics to advertising.

Salvadorian Policy Review

To illustrate the impact of these values on politics, we turn to a radical example from El Salvador. President Nayib Bukele has adopted a tough approach to criminal gangs, breaking with traditional approaches focusing on prevention and social programs.

El Salvador’s policy has achieved spectacular results, with an 85% reduction in the homicide rate in four years. This approach, often considered unpopular in the West, raises crucial questions about the balance between compassion and responsibility.

Read more: Discovering Nihilism: Exploring a Philosophical Concept that Defies Traditional Beliefs

In so doing, we highlight the influence of moral foundations on contemporary society, and propose a reflection on the relevance of compassion in politics. At a time when “soft matriarchy” is being debated, it’s becoming essential to strike a balance between necessary compassion and responsibility in the face of complex issues.