The word “patriarchy” derives from the term “patriarch” which in turn comes from ancient Greek patriarchs (which is linked to a series of terms – “father”, “tribe” And “command” – and it means “progenitor”). It was originally used to describe a family system in which authority was held by the male head of the family. Over time, the meaning broadened to include not only domestic management, but also male domination in political, economic, and religious institutions. In religious contexts, for example, the term is used to indicate the guidance of male spiritual figures, such as patriarchs of the Eastern Churches. The anthropological and sociological meaning of patriarchy emerged later, in the 19th and 20th centuries, when scholars and theorists began to use it to describe a broader social system characterized by the subordination of women to men. Nowadays the term “patriarchy” sparks heated debates in the social, cultural and political spheres, and represents a central concept for understanding power dynamics and gender inequalities.
Historical evolution of the meaning of patriarchy
In many ancient societiespatriarchy was closely linked to the family structure. The head of the familytypically the father or eldest male, held the decision-making power on economic, social and even legal issues within the family. This organization was justified by cultural and religious norms that attributed a dominant role to men, while women were often relegated to domestic duties and childcare.
In Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman civilizations, patriarchy was an essential component of social organization. The laws of Hammurabifor example, represent one of the first written codifications of norms that consolidated male power. Drafted around 1750 BC during the reign of Hammurabi, king of Babylon, not only regulated aspects of daily life, but also reflected a highly hierarchical and patriarchal model of society.
The code established the dominant role of men in both the family and society. For example, he expected fathers to have legal authority on children and wives. The law severely punishedfemale adulterywhile the same transgression by men was treated with greater tolerance. Furthermore, the code regulated women’s work, limiting their economic autonomy and strengthening their dependence on the male breadwinner.
Likewise, in the Ancient RomeThe paterfamilias had absolute authority over familyincluding the lives of their children and wives.
Feminist criticism and sociological analysis of patriarchy
The term “patriarchy” acquired a new dimension with the advent of feminismwhich led to a systematic criticism of patriarchal structures. Starting from 20th centuryfeminist theorists such as Simone de Beauvoir, Adrienne Rich And Sylvia Walby they analyzed patriarchy not just as a family system, but as a set of social practices and structures that perpetuate gender inequality.
In addition to theory, these authors had a significant practical impact. Simone de Beauvoir’s work helped inspire global feminist movementsleading to the creation of laws against gender discrimination and for equal pay. Adrienne Rich influenced thinking on the right to reproductive choicewhile Sylvia Walby worked with government agencies to develop policies that they faced the gender gap in various sectors.
Contemporary use of the term patriarchy
In contemporary language, the term “patriarchy” is often used in political and academic contexts to describe the power dynamics that favor men to the detriment of women. However, its use is not without controversies. Some critics argue that the term is misused excessively generalizingneglecting the cultural and historical complexities of different societies.
THE’analyses today it focuses on issues such as wage inequality, political representation, gender violence and the division of domestic labor. Feminist and civil rights movements use the concept to denounce the systemic injustices and promote social changes.
In addition, not all scholars agree on the use of the term. Some sociologists and anthropologists point out that the emphasis on patriarchy can obscure other forms of oppressionsuch as those based on class, ethnicity or sexuality. For example, Bell Hooks highlighted how patriarchy must be analyzed together with racism et al classism to understand the experiences of black and minority ethnic women.
Another relevant example is theintersectionalitya concept developed by the scholar Kimberlé Crenshawwhich analyzes how different forms of oppression overlap and reinforce each other. This approach has been used to explain the inequalities experienced by women from marginalized groups, considering factors such as race, gender, class and sexual orientation.
Furthermore, some postmodern scholars, such as Judith Butlerhave criticized the idea of a universal patriarchy, arguing that gender roles are fluid and contextual constructs rather than fixed categories. This led to a revision of traditional feminist theories, opening up new perspectives on identity and power.