Patriarkat

Patriarkat, or patriarchy, is a social system in which men hold primary power in political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property and family life. The term denotes both structural arrangements and cultural norms that sustain male dominance over women and other gender minorities. Etymology traces to Greek patriarkhía, from patēr “father” and arkhos “ruler.”

Forms and levels: Patriarchy can be institutional, embedding male dominance in laws, economic systems, and state structures; cultural, shaping gender norms and expectations; and interpersonal, evident in family life and personal relationships. Its intensity and expression vary across cultures and historical periods; some societies emphasize patrilineal succession and male authority, others exhibit more egalitarian practices alongside lingering patriarchal norms.

Consequences include gender wage gaps, underrepresentation of women in leadership, unequal access to resources, and higher exposure to gender-based violence. In many places, formal equality exists in law, but patriarchal norms persist in practice.

Historical development: Patriarchy is linked to processes such as property relations, warfare, state formation, and religious doctrines; nevertheless, many societies have restructured patriarchal arrangements through reform movements, education, and policy changes.

Contemporary analysis: Feminist theory treats patriarchy as a systemic problem that requires structural change. Critics emphasize intersectionality, noting how race, class, sexuality, and disability shape patriarchal experience. Debates continue about the roots, resilience, and possibilities for transformation within or beyond patriarchal systems.