Amazonism

/ˌæməˈzoʊnɪzəm/ noun

Definition

The practices, characteristics, or ideology associated with Amazons; warrior-woman culture or female military power.

Etymology

From Amazon (the mythological female warriors of Greek legend, or the Amazon River region) plus '-ism,' creating a noun for ideological or cultural systems.

Kelly Says

Amazonism is a fascinating phantom term—it appears occasionally in feminist and utopian literature to describe societies run by or centered on powerful women, but it never solidified into a mainstream '-ism' the way socialism or feminism did.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Ideology or movement celebrating female warrior/strength models. Coined in 19th-20th century discourse; sometimes used positively (female empowerment), sometimes pejoratively (unfeminine radicalism).

Inclusive Usage

Use when describing organized female solidarity or strength-based feminism. Clarify intent to avoid coded language suggesting women who organize are 'unnatural.'

Inclusive Alternatives

["feminism","female solidarity","women's leadership"]

Empowerment Note

Amazonism centers female power historically erased from mainstream narratives. When used affirmatively, it reclaims strength as inherently female.

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