Final answer:
Matriarchies in human history are a subject of debate among anthropologists. While no society has been found where women dominate and control men, there are instances where women hold authority and enjoy social status and equality with men. Matriarchy as an ideology is not prevalent in any contemporary culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The existence of matriarchies in human history is still a subject of debate among anthropologists. While no society has been found where women dominate and control men, there are instances where women hold positions of authority and enjoy greater social status and equality with men, such as among gatherer-hunter societies where women's gathering activities are crucial for subsistence. Additionally, some matrilineal societies have been identified where inheritance passes through the maternal line and women exercise leadership, but decisions are still made by senior men. It's important to note that matriarchy as an ideology is not prevalent in any contemporary culture.