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. 

Yvette Torres Valera

Prof.Hollis Glaser

GWS 100-1300

The patriarchy has existed for a long period of time. Some would argue that it arose by nature if we were to go back to the hunter/gatherer days. However, it is important to understand that patriarchy is a system and not an individual identity. In order for it to become an individual identity, it can only affect the sole individual. The patriarchy affects everyone as a whole since it affects how people interact with each other, do business with each other, and much more interactions. Men being the head of the household or the economy, this affects not only women but everyone else as well. Ideally, a masculine man of today’s time will consider the feelings and opinions of women in the workplace. However, they’ll always continue to work to provide for their own families and generations ahead. Systematically, the women see this as their role to let the men provide and support them in their ventures. This was the original way of how the system was perceived as. It can’t be an individual way of thinking if this is how people are actually living affecting everybody. If men choose to be lazy, and careless over their morality and health, women would need to step up and take over. In a way, it’s not about being oppressed unless you feel oppressed. However, the reality shows that men have been shown to be the backbone of society with a woman’s support. This idea is constantly changing with the way cultures change the way men behave towards women and vice versa. Women, on the other hand, are gaining education and have shown extraordinary feats of success in the business world, science field, medical and so much more. As the rise of education changes, both men and women can confidently become the backbone of society. However, oppression will always exist with both an Oppressor and the Oppressed. Clearly, if both exist, oppression won’t cease to exist. If one of them disappears to change their perspective on life, oppression wouldn’t be much of a problem. On a personal level, oppression would become less towards a woman when we consider the realities of our changing society. Interpersonally, behaviors change with new cultural changes and beliefs. Patriarchy would change the way these women and men feel when working together. Institutionally, men and women will grow to work together as individuals qualified to provide for their country when it comes to legislation and more.

Patriarchy is a concept referring to a system of relationships, beliefs, and values embedded in political, social, and economic systems for the unequal relationship between men and women. It’s been over years and years that men have the greater power over women including trans men, patriarchy allows men to have to maintain the position of power, privilege, and leadership in society. Women are in subordinate positions by both structural discrimination and ideologies that legitimate and rationalize that situation. 

Personal: we tend to believe that men are strong than women and always have a role that put for men and women especially in the household when they made us believe that men should be the ones going to work and providing for the house while women sit at home cook, clean and take care of the household with the children since it’s a belief that women are weaker and should not be in the workplace.

Interpersonal: Patriarchy can create conflict among men as well as between men and women. As men jockey for positions at the top of patriarchal hierarchies, some men use violence to offset the shame they feel at not being in a dominant position especially when women have a better position in the workplace, they would feel like women can’t tell them what to do. Women are now forced to work to provide financial stability for their families with also unpaid domestic labor. Although patriarchy literally refers to the rule of the father, it also applies to men’s interactions with other men who are not family members. These changes have implications for shifting patterns of violence within individual relationships and communities.

Institutional: where women have the right to inherit properties and other economic assets, a bunch of practices such as emotional pressure, and social sanctions prevent them from obtaining actual control over them, and some laws diminish the rights of women. All levels of politics are dominated by men, women function within the structure laid down by men. 

cultural/structural: Due to some cultures still believe until now that men should never be equal to women because we are considered weak and have to be obedient. In some households women have no say in how the house should run, even when it is time to cook they tend to ask the men in the house what they should make for dinner or lunch. I still see a lot of cultures that normalize the fact that men should dominate women and that we have to follow their back. 

Ivan De Los Santos

Prof. Hollis Glaser

GWS 100-1300

Discussion 5

A patriarchal society Is defined as a male-dominated power structure that includes relationships, values, and beliefs. It is known to be structured as gender equality between both genders. Men are seen more as the king in structural terms, while women are seen as a Lower tier. It is a system that is not fair to women, but not everybody agrees with the system. For example, my thoughts on the system Are that I am opposed to this because, Bass on personal experience, most men want equality with both genders. Still, on the other hand, some people I know, because of their religious culture, see this system as how life should be. For example, they’re the provider, and she’s the one that cooks and cleans. Some people I know have a very traditional mindset, but I never grew up like that. My mom was the provider and did everything, so I do not believe in this system. 

Personal

The personal aspect of this Society relates to people’s beliefs and women being undervalued in this generation also, From what I hear from the woman who is my friends, when they are in a male-dominated space, they feel like they have to prove themselves more than men because they see as weak. In addition, I’ve also heard That they’ve been sexualized in their workspace, so with that being said, the patriarchy makes it seem that women are less than men and they are seen as objects. 

Interpersonal 

The interpersonal aspect has to do with behavior. A lot of men expect women to behave how they see in the movies from 1990.  they expect them to be quiet, listen, and do as they’re told. In my case, I don’t want that to that extent. Of course, I want my girlfriend or wife to be able to listen to what I have to say, but it has to be a conversation, not just me talking. In addition, I wouldn’t want my significant other to be quiet because that’s boring. I want her to be louder than me. So with me, I don’t listen to traditional gender roles. I want somebody that’s hard-working and has to strive for their ambition, so all these rules that the patriarchy has I do not follow. 

Institutional

Regarding the institutional aspect, the policies in this world are disadvantaged women, not all but some. For example, in late 2022, a lot of states voted for a woman not to be able to get an abortion, and that was taken away by politicians who are primarily men. Still, we can’t only blame the men because some women in the government also voted for that. I believe when this policy was brought to me, even people around me, who I would say are more on the traditional side of things, thought that this policy was not correct women should have the choice to decide if they want to have a kid or not. That right should not be taken away from them. For me, it goes against what America stands for. 

Cultural/Structural

On the cultural side of things, when it comes to patriarchy, some countries are still traditional because of their culture. For example, I’ve seen women care for ten in the Dominican Republic. There was one instance where I saw somebody yell at their wife to get him a cup of water, and that was the first time I’d seen something like that. Still, women are the ones that usually take care of their children. You barely see the men hanging out with their kids or even getting to build a connection with their children, but this isn’t just going on now. This has been the way it has been in the Dominican Republic forever, and regarding myself, I’m taking care of my kids.

Patriarchy refers to a system of power and domination that privileges men over women, and marginalized groups, and reinforces gender roles, and stereotypes that memorialize inequality. This system separates women from men by giving men more privileges and power than women. Women are looked down upon and treated differently from men. It controls what women can do from what they can’t do while men have the authority of power. There’s no equality between the two genders because of the patriarchal system. While patriarchy is a systemic issue, individuals play a crucial role in memorializing it at different levels. Here is a breakdown of how patriarchy might work at four different levels of oppression: patriarchal, interpersonal, institutional, and cultural level. 

Personal level: Patriarchy operates at the personal level through individual beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that reinforce gender roles and stereotypes. Patriarchy happens when household responsibilities are distributed unequally between men and women. For example, women are told to cook, clean, and do childcare, while men are not held to the same standards and don’t have the same expectations as women. Men are considered money makers and decision-makers in the relationship, while women must prioritize their spouse’s needs over their own.

 Interpersonal level: patriarchy operates at the interpersonal level through the way individuals interact with one another in their personal and professional relationships. Patriarchy can influence how men and women are viewed and treated by others, with women being stereotyped as emotional, weak, and irrational while men are more highly viewed as rational, logical, and strong. These assumptions could impact interpersonal relationships and interactions.

Institutional: Patriarchy operates at the institutional level through the policies and practices of organizations and institutions, such as schools, workplaces, and governments. An example of this is laws and policies that discriminate against women such as restrictions on reproductive rights and unequal pay. Patriarchy is seen in political representation where women are often underrepresented in decision-making positions. We see this problem all across the world where women face significant disadvantages from running for office, and men hold more positions of power. Another example of this is economic discrimination where women face unequal pay, job discrimination, and sexual harassment in a workplace with lowered pay. 

Cultural: Patriarchy operates at the cultural level through how cultural norms and values reinforce gender roles and stereotypes. Patricary is a representation that limits women’s opportunities and privileges men over women in the media, advertising, cultural practices, and popular culture. Patricary influences religious and cultural practices to reinforce gender-based inequalities that limit op opportunities for women to participate in society and make choices on their own. Examples of religious restrictions on women are not having access to education and employment. 

Liliana Luzon 

Prof Hollis 

2/22/2023 

Discussion 5 

Patriarchy is a system. A system set in place to allow only men to hold the power. A system that has existed for hundreds of years. It is not induvial and because of this woman cannot dominate. Men are given privilege while women stay below them being treated differently. It is important to recognize that women want to be seen as equal however in the current society we live in that cannot be the case. This system is why.  

Personal 

It is often said that men are the head of the household. People feel the need to ask lesbian couples who the man of the relationship is because they want to know who is above who. What if they are just equals? What if they both do everything and take on different roles just because they may live together? When you start a job and work with men you will automatically feel pressure or that you cannot go above them. As a woman you will feel taunted and even be sexualized by men at your job. As a woman you are not seen or taken as seriously as the man. That is patriarchy 

Interpersonal 

When it comes to behavior men expect you to behave a certain way because you are their boss. They expect to be listened to all the time. For example, at my current job the building manager is a man. He has the audacity to yell and cuss at sales associate because of the simple fact that he alone can put in words for her to get fired. If she explodes back at him there could be issues. Why does he use this language with her? It is because she’s a woman and she can’t defend herself? Why don’t you think she has a voice? 

Institutional 

There are many ways women go about certain thing due to unwritten policies or rules. Unwritten as in is not on paper but that can become an issue. There is much higher risk for women because men have the tendency to overpower not only with words but also physically. This taps into taking advantage of people. It is so easy to threaten a woman with her job. If you know what she has the line you may use that against her to get what you want. Unfortunately, those needs become more than work things. They push to sexual things too. 

Cultural 

In society it is considered normal for a man to make all decisions. It is normal for a woman not to work, and her man will make the money. It is normal for women that stay at home with kids to be worried about their man cheating because even if he does cheat you can’t leave him. If you leave you will be put in a bad situation. In culture you are expected to stay with a cheating man. Some cultures don’t believe in divorce. You have to accept what you don’t want for the sake of your children. But what about your own mental health? Are women cared for? Why is it only right for you to forgive and stay?  

. 

A patriarchal society consists of a male-dominated power structure. Patriarchy is a system of relationships, beliefs, and values embedded in political, social, and economic systems that structure gender inequality between men and women. Attributes seen as “feminine” or pertaining to women are undervalued. Men are granted the privilege while women are oppressed. It is a system rather than an individual identity because the system creates the privilege men are granted and at times the system is operated by different genders which enables the privilege. Not every man wants to dominate the women population, there are some who view themselves as equal. There are some cultural beliefs that hold men higher than women, which is the system being played instead of an individual.

Personal

When it comes to the personal level of oppression patriarchal society is intact due to cultural beliefs, and personal hatred for women. Men view women beneath them as the ones who should care for the house and they are the providers. There are men who do hard labor jobs where there aren’t many women present, this enables their beliefs that there isn’t equality between the two. The women who are present in these hard labor jobs are usually behind the desk but not outside with them.

Interpersonal

When it comes to the interpersonal level of oppression patriarchal society is intact due to people not being held accountable for their behaviors and actions toward women. Johnson claims that the patriarchal system cannot be controlled, but we do have some latitude to flout convention and build our lives in unique ways. By holding one accountable and trying to curve a change in society there may be equality between genders. The modern-day language put men over women through common sayings such as “men are breadwinners”, and ” that’s a man’s job” putting the theory in your head that this is how it’s supposed to be.

Institutional

Institutional level of oppression is in participation with patriarchal society due to certain policies being upheld that give advantage to. some and disadvantages to others. When. it comes to the right of women to get an abortion that was taken away by men who were in power who voted against it. Yes, there are women within lawmakers who. played a part but the majority were men. These laws were changed which made men feel empowered for women since now they know if they got a woman pregnant she can’t have a choice in life. These laws were written to demoralize women by taking away their choices when it comes to the life of a child no matter the circumstances.

Cultural/Structural

The cultural/Structural level of oppression is in participation in a patriarchal society due to certain cultural beliefs that have been this way for years. In the Carribean cultural men are labeled the providers and women are good for taking care of children. Men will do the harder jobs while a woman will be a nurse. A woman is labeled a provider of love and care while a man is known to just bring in money to provide for the family. This sense of normalcy has been around for years with not many standing up for equality but giving the same beliefs down generational.

Eromidayo Olayiwola (Harmony)

Prof. Hollis Glaser

GWS 100-1300

Discussion 5

In a patriarchal society, men rule, subjugate, and exploit women through a system of social norms and practices. Hence, patriarchal violence is any form that establishes, upholds, or avenges men’s authority over women and has the majority of the power. It has an impact on various aspects of society, such as family life and the role of men as head of the family, as well as political leadership, the economy, and religious organizations. As individuals, we take part in it through our daily actions. We cannot avoid participating in it because it is, by nature, a system of inequality built around socially imposed gender norms. Hence, this repressive system affects both men and women equally, and none of us have any control over it. Since individuals make up the system, the patriarch should be acknowledged as both the system and the identity of each individual as it affects the interactive behavior of individuals(AJ).

Institutional

            According to Johnson patriarchal social system is one in which women are treated as inferior and thus exploited. As nature compels and subdues women, they are marginalized and underrepresented in the decision-making processes, social, economic, and political realms. For instance, in Nigeria, most women are perceived to be polite and obedient while those that are single mothers such as divorced are ostracized. This is because male heads of families exert control and male children inherit property in some parts of the region. However, due to sociocultural and political constraints that are deeply rooted in patriarchy, many women struggle to achieve economic independence. After reading the article, I understand that men are born into a patriarchal society. Still, there are many things they can do to change the status quo, such as showing support rather than demeaning women or calling them names like “sluts.” Men should try to make the workplace, family, and board meetings safe places for women by listening, recognizing circumstances that can make women discomfort, and stopping misogynistic behavior.

Personal

Yet, to be a part of a patriarchal society is to constantly be exposed to sexist representations of women as objectified sexual objects, valued exclusively for their utility to males. You perceive women as being too emotional to make good leaders, characterizing their sexual behavior differs from that of males (Pg 12). As a woman, I shouldn’t constantly be marginalized because I experience pain, have heavy menstrual bleeding that keeps me at home, or experience mood swings, but even these things are insufficient to label a woman as weak or as someone who doesn’t take risks. For instance, a particular religious sect in Nigeria prohibits women from attending church while they are menstruation, and there are specific ways one is required to dress if married. However, it should be up to each individual whether they choose to adhere to their faith and beliefs. Reading the article “Feminist Politics” made me realize that feminism should be practiced at home, in schools, at work, and in all institutions. It is not a contest between men and women, nor are men to blame; rather, it is about human rights and everyone deserves to be heard.

Cultural/Structural

Seeing the world through patriarchy entails thinking that men and women are fundamentally different from one another and that males were created in the likeness of a masculine God is not true. Also, it’s not entirely accurate to argue that because men don’t give birth to or breastfeed children, they are unable to bond with them (Pg 11). The patriarchy always finds a means to make women second and a climbing ladder to men manifesto. For instance, even if I have access to education, my culture still sees me as inferior and holds that the only way I can get respected in a society where men are dominant is by getting married. The majority of cultural practices in Africa discriminate against women and confine them to the home and economic dependence. Additionally, some barbaric practices place restrictions on women. For instance, when a woman’s husband passes away, she is compelled by law and custom to wed a relative, and if she refuses, this is interpreted as being wild or rude.

Interpersonal

The patriarchal system is a dynamic process that is always being molded and changed. Johnson claims that patriarchal civilizations are “male-identified” in that our fundamental cultural ideals of what is right, or normal are connected to how we view men and masculinity. He highlights the common usage of the word “man” and male pronouns to refer to both men and women in our language. Language use, behavior, and how we perceive and respond to the world around us are all evolving. Although the system is difficult to change, living in a society where traditions dictate that moms should stay at home and raise their children while fathers should be at work is contrary to the fact that parenting is a joint venture in which both parents share equal responsibility. This is one of the reasons why women are still subjected to significant discrimination in today’s society.

Finally, Johnson says that although the patriarchal system cannot be changed, we do have some freedom to defy tradition and live unique lifestyles. As a result, the pathways we choose to take can either modify or support patriarchy. It is an existential system that we are a part of from birth, making it an unintended system. However, a patriarchal system can be purposefully created when men consistently discriminate against women and make them feel less valued in society. According to Lorde, “There Is No Hierarchy of Oppressions,” and no group has the exclusive right to be free from prejudice. We should combat these discriminatory forces wherever they appear to cause harm, and all genders—binary or non-binary—across all racial and ethnic groups should oppose all forms of bigotry. The system deprives women of their rights while preserving and advancing advantages for men. All that is needed to create a society where everyone may maximize their potential is systematic equality in which everyone participates. Men need to start making deliberate decisions and supporting women in achieving equality since patriarchy is ruled by men. Starting with the individual, home, family, place of employment, and system at large.