Patriarkaallisuuden

Patriarkaallisuus, the Finnish term for patriarchy, refers to a social system in which men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property. The concept is used in feminist theory to analyze power structures that favor male dominance across cultural, economic, and legal institutions.

The term originates from the Greek words patriarchē (“rule of the father”) and is used in sociological studies dating back to the early 20th century. In Finland, scholars such as Mirriam J. Eliason and Jonne Salo have examined patriarkkaallisuuden in the context of Scandinavian gender equality, noting both structural advantages for men and the persistence of gendered expectations in family and workplace settings.

Core characteristics identified by researchers include hierarchical social norms that idealize male authority, the gender division of labor, and normative life expectations that marginalize women’s opportunities. These patterns often manifest in lower female representation in political leadership, wage disparities, and underrepresentation in certain professional fields.

Contemporary debates focus on the extent to which patriarkkaallisuus persists in egalitarian societies, the role of state policy in mitigating gender bias, and the intersection of class and ethnicity with gender. Feminist activists argue that dismantling patriarkkaallisuus requires both legal reforms and cultural shifts to promote shared domestic responsibilities and encourage female leadership across all sectors.