Yes, exactly — and nicely and concisely said! I’ve written quite a bit recently about patriarchy as a dominance hierarchy that stratifies everyone (not just men and women), but as you said, it has only the elite at the top of the pyramid with most of the power.

Patriarchy Demands Constant Ranking and Stratification Of All Kinds

I have not yet gotten around to writing about the worship of the goddess and how in a culture with a fair amount of equality if there is a power differential, it was women holding the more revered, more powerful spot. Based on what the little I’ve said in this vein before, it’s going to take extensive citations and even so will still be attacked by males who don’t like to imagine that the world was ever any different than it is right now, so I’m gathering the strength to identify all the supports and to deal with the haters.

This piece on the Woman of Willendorf is a prime example. Even with extensive citations from reputable sources, it still caused outrage for some.

The “Venus of Willendorf” Was Not A Pin-Up Girl

Thanks for your comment.