The gender-equality paradox is the counterintuitive observation that more gender-egalitarian societies tend to have larger gender differences in preferences. Previous research has largely focused on patriarchal societies, where gender equality generally improves alongside economic development. We examined the gender-equality paradox in the matrilineal Mosuo society and compared it to two patriarchal groups: the Yi and the Han. The Mosuo are unique in being highly gender equal despite their limited economic resources. We recruited participants from Yongning Township, where the Mosuo people have long resided. The Mosuo (n = 39) and the patriarchal participants (n = 50) completed a survey on gender-related perceptions and ideologies. Compared to patriarchal groups, the Mosuo reported higher perceptions of gender equality, yet they also endorsed more gender essentialist beliefs. Despite this, they did not perceive greater gender differences. The Mosuo also exhibited a more traditional view of gender roles, tying women to the family. Although gender equality and division coexist, the Mosuo society specifically values women. Mosuo participants exhibited a preference for daughters and valued communal traits such as helpfulness and conscientiousness, which are traditionally associated with femininity. These results suggest that gendered cultural values are important for gender equality, even when traditional gender roles persist.