Patriarchy: All about definition and history

The patriarchy definition is still part of the fight for women’s equality in society today. The term may seem outdated, but it is still relevant

The definition of patriarchy is still an issue today

The sexes have always fought over who has the supremacy. It is not clear exactly when patriarchy came into being. There is also no clear explanation of the term. In various social theories, it is understood as a patriarchal system.

• All relationships, values, behavioral patterns and norms are dominated by the father or men. They rule, even over women. Men, on the other hand, work together with men as equals, promoting and favoring them.

• The Romans were also familiar with the concept of patriarchy. They recognized the Jewish patriarchy, for example. A man was considered the head of the Jewish community.

• The ancient Greeks were also familiar with the term “patriarchy” and knew the social structure behind it. Here it also meant a society based on the rule of the father

• The sociologist and legal scholar Max Weber, on the other hand, saw patriarchy as a special form of legitimate rule. However, this had no legal or logical claim, as it was based on tradition and traditional master power and its order.

• The feminist definition of the term extends patriarchy beyond paternal rule. It is not only fathers who determine society’s actions, but also husbands, brothers, superiors and all men who have power over people in their positions.