The Center for Partnership Systems (CPS) (https://centerforpartnership.org/) — formerly the Center for Partnership Studies—is dedicated to research, education, and building tools to construct economic and social systems that support human beings and the planet that sustains us. This site provides a wide array of resources about the history and foundations of Partnership Systems that will empower you to apply partnership principles in your own family, community, workplace, and government.
Riane Eisler's work is significant in understanding gender relationships and partnerships because she offers a comprehensive and groundbreaking perspective that challenges traditional assumptions about gender roles and power dynamics. Her contributions highlight the importance of nurturing partnerships based on equality, compassion, and mutual respect. Here are a few key reasons why her work is important:
- Partnership vs. Dominator Model: Eisler's most notable concept is the distinction between the Partnership Model and the Dominator Model. She argues that throughout history, societies have been organized around either a dominator system, characterized by hierarchies, violence, and control, or a partnership system, characterized by collaboration, cooperation, and equal power distribution. By understanding these models, we can examine how gender relationships have been shaped by these underlying social structures.
- Gender Equality and Human Rights: Eisler's work emphasizes the importance of achieving gender equality as a fundamental aspect of human rights and social justice. She underscores that true progress in gender relationships requires dismantling oppressive systems that perpetuate gender-based violence, discrimination, and subjugation. Her advocacy for gender equality aligns with broader movements and initiatives focused on addressing gender disparities and promoting equal opportunities.
- Cultural Transformation: Eisler's research and writings emphasize the need for cultural transformation to create societies that value care, empathy, and nurturing. She argues that this transformation is essential for achieving gender equality and creating a more peaceful and sustainable world. By challenging traditional gender roles and promoting values associated with partnership models, Eisler offers a vision for redefining gender relationships and fostering healthier social dynamics.
- Intersectionality and Beyond: Eisler recognizes the importance of intersectionality in understanding gender relationships. She highlights that gender intersects with other dimensions of identity, such as race, class, and sexuality, resulting in complex and interconnected forms of oppression. By acknowledging these intersections, Eisler's work contributes to a more nuanced understanding of gender relationships that accounts for the experiences and challenges faced by individuals with multiple marginalized identities.
- Holistic Approach: Eisler's work promotes a holistic approach to understanding gender relationships, incorporating economic, political, cultural, and social factors. She emphasizes the interplay between different spheres of life and how they shape gender dynamics. This broader perspective enables a comprehensive analysis of power structures and facilitates a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in transforming gender relationships.
Riane Eisler's work challenges traditional paradigms and provides a framework for envisioning a more equitable and compassionate world. Her insights into partnership models, gender equality, and cultural transformation contribute to a more nuanced understanding of gender relationships and provide a foundation for advocating for positive change. By engaging with her ideas, we can strive for more inclusive, caring, and mutually supportive gender relationships and partnerships.
