androcracy

American  

[an-drok-ruh-see] / ænˈdrɒk rə si /

noun

1. social and political rule by men.

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Other Word Forms

• androcratic adjective

Etymology

Origin of androcracy

andro- + -cracy

Explanation

A government or social group controlled by men is an androcracy. Before women could vote, hold office, or own property, the United States was an androcracy. Some might argue that the U.S., which hasn't ever elected a female president, is still an androcracy. But while women have never held more than about 30 percent of congressional seats, for example, there have been many women in high leadership positions, including Vice President, Supreme Court Justice, and Speaker of the House. A true androcracy excludes women altogether. The word, meaning "rule of men," is from the Greek andro, "man," and kratos, "power."