Definition

1. Noun:
   • A social system or organization in which men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property. It describes a societal structure where fathers or male figures are the heads of families, and lineage, inheritance, and often authority are traced through the male line.
   • A society, community, or group governed by such a system. It can refer to a specific society or institution characterized by male dominance.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The anthropologist studied the transition from matriarchy to patriarchy in the ancient culture.
  • Many feminist theories critique the structures of patriarchy that have historically limited women's opportunities.
  • In a traditional patriarchy, the eldest male often made the final decisions for the entire family.

Advanced Usage

• "The patriarchy": Often used as a critical term to describe the overarching system of institutionalized male dominance in a society, seen as perpetuating gender inequality.
  • Her book analyzes how the patriarchy influences both public policy and private life.
• "Challenging the patriarchy": A phrase denoting actions or movements aimed at dismantling male-dominated power structures.
  • The activists were committed to challenging the patriarchy through education and legal reform.

Variants and Related Words

• Patriarch (n): A male head of a family or tribe; a man who is the founder or dominant figure of a group.
  • The patriarch of the family business decided to retire.
• Patriarchal (adj): Relating to or characteristic of a patriarchy.
  • The company's patriarchal structure made it difficult for women to reach executive positions.

Synonyms

• Male dominance: Control or authority by men.
• Androcracy: A form of government ruled by men (a more formal, less common synonym).

Related Phrases

• "Uphold the patriarchy": To support or maintain the existing system of male dominance.
  • The old laws were seen to uphold the patriarchy.
• "Patriarchal society": A society organized as a patriarchy.
  • They lived in a deeply patriarchal society where women's rights were severely restricted.

Noun

1. a form of social organization in which a male is the family head and title is traced through the male line