In The Gender Knot, Johnson demonstrates how people’s experiences of sexism are a direct outcome of our society’s patriarchal framework. He explains how the typical individual contributes to patriarchal oppression by refusing to question the existing system, suggesting that because males directly profit from patriarchy.
Johnson deconstructs the patriarchy’s ability to favor males while also making them feel inferior. Patriarchy has an impact on many aspects of society, including political leadership, corporate management, faith-based organizations, the economy, and property ownership, all the way down to our communities or homes, where men are viewed as the main providers.
He also critiques the men’s rights movement’s motivations as well as the use of the term “misandry.” This refers to generalized hate, disdain, or prejudice against males and boys. Social inequality, sexism, antagonism, mockery, demeaning of males, violence against men, and sexual objectification are all examples of misandry.
According to the text, “Patriarchy is a kind of society organized around certain kinds of social relationships and ideas that shape paths of least resistance.” For example, A patriarchal society is one in which males govern and determine all the principles, while women stay at home and care for the children.
MeiQi’s snapshot illustrates that patriarchy is equally harmful to males as it is to women. Many men tend to separate their thoughts and depict seeking help because it is seen even though a sign of weakness. It’s a never-ending pressure on men to conform to a limited notion of masculinity, compete with one another, and demonstrate their manhood by denying their humanity and giving up their distinctiveness.
However, patriarchy is not restricted to men. Women who have the same ideas and prejudices as men may be equally patriarchal. Many women still think that males should have greater control over them rather than being equal to men.
Growing up, my mother constantly told me as a young girl that if I ever married, I should be able to cook and clean for my spouse, but she never mentioned this to my brother. She would also advise me to chew with my mouth closed, carry a purse whenever I went out, and never sit with my legs spread. Again, t his was never addressed to brother, who was referred to as the “Man of the House” regularly. Although she no longer expresses or behaves in this manner, she did succumb to patriarchy in the past.
Patriarchy has been challenged for numerous generations, and it will take many more before it is entirely removed. Regardless of our practice or stage of life, we all have various alternatives for combating the patriarchal system. We must acknowledge the influence of patriarchy and embrace our social privilege to abolish it. One approach to dismantle the patriarchy is to educate ourselves so that we are more open to having discussions and allowing development opportunities. Another option is to analyze how gender roles can change at home and outside the home, as well as how standards and expectations differ between men and boys in the same household. Finally, we should concentrate on developing appropriate alternatives to existing power structures.
