Patriarchy
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Most, though not all patriarchies are/were patrilineal (property, name, or heritage goes from father to son). [[Judaism]] and Navaho are examples of matrilineal descent and/or property transfer in largely patriarchal societies. | Most, though not all patriarchies are/were patrilineal (property, name, or heritage goes from father to son). [[Judaism]] and Navaho are examples of matrilineal descent and/or property transfer in largely patriarchal societies. | ||
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| + | The majority of human societies of the last 2,000 or so years have been patriarchal. There is disagreement about earlier in history, with some proposing the existence of [[matriarchy|matriarchal]] or at least sex-egalitarian societies. Although it is disputed whether such societies ever represented a norm, there is strong evidence that in at least some cultures the status of women was relatively high. Notable examples include the Berbers, most Tungusic and Mongolic peoples, and certain Native American tribes like the Hopi. | ||
==Gender roles and discrimination in patriarchies== | ==Gender roles and discrimination in patriarchies== | ||
Revision as of 04:49, 30 August 2013
Patriarchy is a term for societies in which male is the favored gender, and in which men hold power, dominion and privilege. That position is reinforced by societal and cultural norms, religious teachings, media portrayals of gender roles (specifically female inferiority), and even formal definition of roles, including laws limiting women's rights.
Male power in a patriarchy can be found at family, community, social and governmental levels. For example, in the family realm, fathers have dominion over their unmarried daughters, husbands over their wives, and sons over widowed mothers. The "man of the house" makes the ultimate decision on everything from size of family to the family budget to methods of discipline. In the community businesses are generally run by men and local leaders as well as respected elders are men. The social rules and norms are set and enforced by men. And formally, the government is controlled by men, be it a theocracy, a monarchy, or a democracy.
Most, though not all patriarchies are/were patrilineal (property, name, or heritage goes from father to son). Judaism and Navaho are examples of matrilineal descent and/or property transfer in largely patriarchal societies.
The majority of human societies of the last 2,000 or so years have been patriarchal. There is disagreement about earlier in history, with some proposing the existence of matriarchal or at least sex-egalitarian societies. Although it is disputed whether such societies ever represented a norm, there is strong evidence that in at least some cultures the status of women was relatively high. Notable examples include the Berbers, most Tungusic and Mongolic peoples, and certain Native American tribes like the Hopi.
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Gender roles and discrimination in patriarchies
Because patriarchy defines men as the rulers - be it individual ruling of the family, or ultimate ruling of the city, country, or empire - men's and women's roles are strictly defined and, in a sense, enforced. Women must be seen as inferior, weaker, generally less capable, less intelligent, and less worthy. Otherwise, why wouldn't they be equal to men? Their work is equally considered "lower". They are relegated to hearth and home. Cleaning, caring for the family, and serving the husband. In fact, in the rare instance that men do "the same work", the men get titled positions to distinguish that they are doing something "better" than women. They are chefs, to a woman's "cook". They are fashion designers to a woman's "seamstress".
But critically, the same pressure exists for men to conform to particular roles. One classic example (though not universal by any stretch) is that men must be tough and strong, must not cry, must not back down, must be willing to get into physical altercations to solve problems. Because of the need to have such rigid roles, patriarchies are largely intolerant of anyone who lives outside of the norm. This of course includes homosexual and transgender individuals, but also men who prefer emotion or gentle persuasion to physical violence, men who wish to be caring involved fathers, or men who want to be primary caregivers. (Think "nurse" vs. "doctor".) In a patriarchal society individuals who do not conform to certain standards risk being marginalized.
Patriarchy and feminism
Recognizing and opposing patriarchy is a major theme in feminism. Feminist analysis points to the many aspects of patriarchy in our society and how these are perpetuated, often subtly and unconsciously, in social norms and popular culture. Patriarchy is still pervasive and highly disempowering, and — despite the achievements of feminism — is still a powerful force in even the most modernized societies. Modern statistics (especially regarding student achievement, college graduation rates, and the political power of women's groups) support the idea that, while patriarchy is still around, things are slowly changing.
Patriarchy "skepticism" is common among men's rights advocates[1] and other critics of feminism. Their basic argument seems to be "Women have the vote, and make up 50% of the population, so they must have equal power". Or even better, some generic, odd idea that women actually control society, as evidenced by the cries of their loss of power[2]. There are some aspects of society in which men do appear to be disadvantaged, such as in the criminal justice system, however the MRAs make the mistake of attributing this to the evils of feminism, rather than realizing that it is precisely because of patriarchal ideology that such disadvantages exist. A few especially insane MRAs believe that the higher life expectancy enjoyed by women since the early 20th century (when death from childbirth became less common) is evidence that they are a 'privileged' group.
When there are claims of outright denial, feminists dismiss their perspective as privilege blindness that keeps them from realizing that society is still male-dominated and that this is necessarily bad.
See also
Footnotes
- ↑ It must always be pointed out that MRA groups are not the same as men who seek to make laws more balanced in areas like child custody and criminal charges for violence. MRA groups are extremists that tend to focus on the evil that women do.
- ↑ http://www.avoiceformen.com/feminism/patriarchy/