patriarchy Definition
- 1a social system in which men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege and control of property
- 2a system of society or government in which men hold the power and women are largely excluded from it
Using patriarchy: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "patriarchy" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The company's board of directors is dominated by men, reflecting the patriarchal nature of the industry.
Example
The feminist movement aims to dismantle the patriarchy and achieve gender equality.
Example
Patriarchy has been deeply ingrained in many cultures for centuries.
Example
The patriarchy reinforces harmful gender stereotypes and limits opportunities for women.
patriarchy Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for patriarchy
- sexism
- masculinism
- male dominance
- male chauvinism
Antonyms for patriarchy
Phrases with patriarchy
a form of patriarchy that is harmful to both men and women, perpetuating negative stereotypes and limiting individual freedom
Example
Toxic patriarchy can lead to toxic masculinity, where men feel pressure to conform to rigid gender roles and suppress their emotions.
patriarchal society
a society that is structured around the dominance of men and the subordination of women
Example
Many societies throughout history have been patriarchal, with men holding most of the power and women being relegated to secondary roles.
patriarchal culture
a culture that values and prioritizes masculine traits and behaviors over feminine ones
Example
In a patriarchal culture, men are often expected to be aggressive, competitive, and dominant, while women are expected to be passive, nurturing, and submissive.
Origins of patriarchy
from Greek 'patriarkhēs', meaning 'the ruling of a father'
Summary: patriarchy in Brief
The term 'patriarchy' [pey-tree-ahr-kee] refers to a social system in which men hold primary power and dominate roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property. It is a system of society or government in which men hold the power and women are largely excluded from it. Patriarchy has been deeply ingrained in many cultures for centuries and reinforces harmful gender stereotypes, limiting opportunities for women. Phrases like 'toxic patriarchy,' 'patriarchal society,' and 'patriarchal culture' describe specific manifestations of this system.
