O'Tink, my answer to your interesting Q is not much more than a guess, but over the years I have given this idea some thought and study...
No, I don't think there is any truth at all to that theory. I think somehow the widespread patriarchal hierarchies got embedded in many societies, but it's a cultural phenomenon rather than genetic/evolutionary.
I myself grew up in more of a matriarchal culture, in the early logging country of Washington State...at that time, somewhat isolated with not much outside influence. Among those physically strong burly loggers, anyone who tried to dominate his wife was considered weak and immature. The ability to make a warm and happy home was cherished and honored, a sign of male strength to defer to her wisdom.
Lots of joking about "my better half," and even bragging and competition about how much his wife "rules the roost." Also, among some Native American cultures (as Navajo) the women owned the land, and families were matrilineal. (Still were when I traveled there 1997-98.)
So however the domineering stuff got started, I am guessing it is unnatural.