Because it is so much more common than some may realize, it is critical to understand patriarchy as a system rather than a particular identity. Because of the patriarchal nature of our culture, men are misogynistic. Women have a lot of internalized sexism and can also be misogynistic themselves. Some principles are ingrained in us from birth and become deeply ingrained in our subconscious. This system also shaped others close to us, including our family and peers, thus the cycle continues with us. We can take steps to eliminate these patriarchal norms and concepts by admitting that, whether we like it or not, we all participate in the patriarchy. It won’t happen overnight, of course. We need to educate ourselves and unlearn patriarchal ways of thinking.
The patriarchy can operate on a number of levels, including personal, interpersonal, institutional, and the structural or cultural level. Patriarchal beliefs and values can be seen in our own minds on a personal level. An intriguing example of how patriarchy affects women more personally, in my opinion, is the sensation of being “watched”—the urge to put on a show and look nice even if you know you are alone and no one is looking (but what if, hypothetically, someone—a man—is?). Sometimes there is a persistent urge to always be likable. The masculine gaze, which is a result of patriarchy, definitely perpetuates these emotions.
The interpersonal level comes next. This includes expressions of misogyny in speech and behavior. As an illustration, imagine a man ordering his partner to care for the household, cook, and clean. Another possibility is that a woman is making another woman look awful in front of a man in an effort to get his attention. Cat-calling, preventing a mother’s son from playing with “girl’s toys,” and making fun of people for having “girly” interests are just a few examples. The list is endless.
The institutional level is the third. There are a number of techniques that the government uses to punish women. Abortion restrictions are one that is frequently used and, regrettably, is still widely practiced today. Dress codes are another instance of institutional patriarchy, although on a much lesser scale. In schools, young girls’ clothing is frequently regulated and enforced to prevent “distracting” behavior.
Finally, there is the cultural/structural level. This includes toxic beauty standards, homophobia, transphobia, and the strong belief in traditional gender roles. At a young age, these kinds of concepts are introduced to our brains, and if we’re fortunate, we can eventually unlearn them and educate ourselves.
