patriarchy

[pey-tree-ahr-kee]

noun

plural

patriarchies 

1. a form of social organization in which the father is the supreme authority in the family, clan, or tribe and descent is reckoned in the male line, with the children belonging to the father's clan or tribe.

2. a society, community, or country based on this social organization.

3. a social system in which power is held by men, through cultural norms and customs that favor men and withhold opportunity from women.

   The corporate glass ceiling is one consequence of patriarchy in education and business.

4. Often the Patriarchy the men in power in a society.

   The Patriarchy is vested in maintenance of the status quo.

patriarchy

/ ˈpeɪtrɪˌɑːkɪ /

noun

1. a form of social organization in which a male is the head of the family and descent, kinship, and title are traced through the male line

2. any society governed by such a system

patriarchy

1. A family or society in which authority is vested in males, through whom descent and inheritance are traced. (See also matriarchy and primogeniture.)

Other Word Forms

• antipatriarchy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of patriarchy¹

First recorded in 1555–65; ultimately from Greek patriarchía, derivation of patriárchēs and -ía noun suffix; patriarch ( def. ), -y ³ ( def. )

Example Sentences

The controversy gained traction because of Smith’s record of championing the marginalized, citing theorists like Frantz Fanon while targeting empires and the omnipresent patriarchy.

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But in a country steeped in patriarchy, challenges remain.

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It is not just what Takaichi has said which has led people to label her as a defender of the patriarchy.

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Japan's conservative views on abortion are rooted in patriarchy and deeply traditional views on the role of women.

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She worried the themes discussed — patriarchy, capitalism and poverty — could be taken out of context and used against her.

Read more on Salon