Patriarchal

Characterized by a social system in which men hold primary power, predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege and control of property, with women generally subordinate. It describes a societal structure that favors men and often involves the oppression or marginalization of women. It can also refer to systems where family lines are traced through the male line. The term emphasizes the historical and ongoing prevalence of male dominance in various aspects of life, influencing social norms, cultural practices, and economic structures.

Patriarchal meaning with examples

• The village's social structure remained staunchly patriarchal, with elders holding absolute authority and women relegated to domestic roles. Any challenge to their authority faced severe social repercussions, thus inhibiting any form of meaningful reform. The men controlled the resources, dictating land usage and family decisions, keeping women dependent and voiceless.
• In many historical societies, laws were explicitly patriarchal, denying women equal rights to own property, vote, or pursue certain professions. Women were frequently considered the property of their fathers and husbands, with limited legal recourse against abuse or discrimination, and confined to designated gender roles.
• Despite advancements in women's rights, remnants of a patriarchal mindset still exist in many workplaces. This can manifest as gender-based pay gaps, limited opportunities for career advancement, and microaggressions that make women feel less valued or respected in their fields of employment. The imbalance is still a key challenge.
• The novel explored the themes of gender roles and social hierarchies, depicting a highly patriarchal society in which women's lives were rigidly controlled by their fathers and husbands. Their actions were dictated, and desires ignored in favor of perpetuating male dominance through marriage and childbirth, where male heirs were prioritized.
• The film, set in a traditional culture, portrayed a family deeply rooted in patriarchal traditions, where the father made all the important decisions and his sons were groomed for leadership, even if this came at the expense of their mothers, sisters, and their own well-being and choices. This was portrayed as detrimental.