Riane Eisler

Riane Eisler is the author of the international bestseller The Chalice and the Blade and the co-founder of the Center for Partnership Studies, a research and educational center in Pacific Grove, California. In her book, Eisler reinterprets ancient history and modern archaeological findings to support ecofeminism, a philosophy in which people live in sexual and social equality in harmony with nature. She calls this lifestyle “a partnership way.” In the following viewpoint, Eisler issues a manifesto, rejecting what she calls the current patriarchal and male-dominated society that now exists and calling for a return to the ecofeminist traditions of the past.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What is the Gaia hypothesis, according to Eisler?
2. How does the author distinguish between dominator and partnership societies?
3. What kind of future for humankind does Eisler envision"

The...