patriarchy
PAY-tree-ar-kee
/ˈpeɪ.tri.ɑːr.ki/
A social system in which men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property.
Refers to systematic male dominance embedded in institutions rather than individual male preference.
The story behind the word. Originating from Ancient Greek 'patriarches', combining 'pater' (father) and 'archein' (to rule). Historically used to describe the rule of a male tribal leader or family patriarch, the word evolved in modern feminist theory to describe widespread social structures that prioritize male power.
Word relationships
- male dominance: Male dominance is a general condition, whereas patriarchy is an institutionalized social system.
- matriarchy: Matriarchy is a social system in which women hold primary power and leadership.
Commonly confused with
- patrimony: Patrimony refers to inherited property or heritage from a father, while patriarchy refers to a male-dominated social structure.
Word family
- patriarchal (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of a patriarchy.
- patriarch (noun): A male leader or head of a family or group.
Collocations
- dismantle patriarchy
- entrenched patriarchy
- patriarchal structure
Example sentences
- "The history of Western philosophy has largely developed within the structural constraints of patriarchy." Feminist Theory (bell hooks, Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center)
- "Scholars analyzed how institutional patriarchy influenced property ownership laws in nineteenth-century Europe." Sociology
Memory hook
Pater (father) + archy (rule) = rule by the father or men. Rule by the fathers.
When not to use
Do not use to describe a household simply headed by a father unless referring to systemic authority.
Fun facts
- The term was originally used in religious texts to describe biblical patriarchs before being adapted into sociology in the 20th century.
Related words
Also appears in
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