What is patriarchy?
Patriarchy is a social system where men have power and authority over women, and is characterised by the belief that men are superior to women.
Patriarchal Systems
Patriarchal systems are founded on the belief that men are inherently dominant while women are expected to be subservient. These systems not only perpetuate gender inequality but also normalise control over women's bodies and lives, particularly through gender-based violence and limitations on reproductive rights.
Key Characteristics of Patriarchal Systems
Gender-Based Violence Patriarchy often normalises violence against women, including domestic abuse, sexual harassment, and coercive control. It also underpins efforts to control women’s reproductive rights.
Economic Inequality Patriarchal norms contribute to wage gaps, unequal access to education, and limited employment opportunities for women. Women are disproportionately represented in lower-paying, insecure jobs.
Social Stratification Patriarchy creates hierarchies based on gender, assigning greater power, status, and privilege to men. This influences access to resources, decision-making roles, and respect in society.
Restrictive Laws and Policies Laws influenced by patriarchal values often restrict women’s freedoms. For example, abortion was only decriminalised in Northern Ireland in 2019, highlighting the legal control over women’s bodies.
Enforced Gender Roles Traditional gender roles, shaped by patriarchal values, position men as providers and women as caregivers, limiting individual choice and reinforcing inequality.
Examples of Patriarchal Influence
Gender Pay Gap Women continue to earn less than men for equivalent work across most sectors.
Unpaid Domestic Labor Women perform a disproportionate share of unpaid household and caregiving duties, which is often undervalued or ignored.
Male-Dominated Politics Political institutions remain largely controlled by men, limiting women's influence on public policy.
Male-Dominated Sports Men's sports receive more funding, media coverage, and societal support compared to women's sports.
Occupational Segregation Women are underrepresented in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields while being overrepresented in caregiving and service-based careers, often due to societal expectations and systemic barriers.
Resource links
How did the Patriarchy Actually Begin?
Angela Saini is an award-winning science journalist and political writer. In this article, Angela breaks down mistaken assumptions about how male dominated societies began.
What is patriarchy and what does it mean?
This article is part of As Equals, CNN series on gender inequality