patriarchation

Patriarchation is a term sometimes used to describe the process by which a society transitions from one patriarchal system to another, or the establishment of a new patriarchal order. It implies a deliberate or emergent shift in power structures that reinforces male dominance. The concept can be applied historically, examining periods of significant change in gender roles and authority, or sociologically, analyzing how power dynamics are maintained and reproduced.

This term is not as widely established in academic literature as "patriarchy" itself. When used, it often appears in discussions of feminist theory, social change, or historical analysis where the emphasis is on the active formation or reinforcement of patriarchal structures. It suggests a more dynamic or intentional process than the static state of patriarchy, highlighting the mechanisms through which male authority is established or solidified.

Understanding patriarchation involves examining the social, political, and economic factors that contribute to the consolidation of male leadership and influence within a community or society. It can also refer to the subjugation of women within existing or newly formed patriarchal frameworks. The term emphasizes that patriarchal systems are not necessarily immutable but can be actively constructed or reinforced over time.