is the pervasive social construct defining gender relationships in virtually every culture on this planet. The measurable negative effects of patriarchy vary in degree only. We can ill afford to ignore the damaging effects of patriarchy, nor should we 'rank' cultures on the basis of how blatantly their 'version' of patriarchy oppresses their citizenry, especially their women and children.
After more than thirty years of advocacy for survivors of relationship violence (predominantly women and children), I have gained a deep appreciation for the pain and distress commensurate with 'power over' (eg, patriarchy). Patriarchy unflinchingly assigns the vast majority of 'power over' to men. This is a deep wound to our species, for both those who are powerless AND for those who must expend significant energy securing and maintaining their 'power over.'
Patriarchy--indeed, all hierarchy--is a wound of a thousand cuts. Most are so accustomed to this social construct that they will not admit that it is destructive and unnecessary. Few acknowledge how much it damages our species--unless the 'traditions' shaped by a given culture's patriarchy are abhorrent enough to elicit condemnation (genital mutilation, dowry deaths, and forced prostitution tend to peg the meter, even as many US citizens deny the preponderance of rape and child sexual abuse in our own nation). Indeed, we are so accustomed to patriarchy as our social framework, few of us can imagine that there might be a better way. Most historic efforts to address patriarchy (Feminism, Humanism, Egalitarianism) have been met with derision, or marginalized. AND, those who believe that they benefit the MOST from patriarchy--those who have garnered the most POWER OVER--are working the HARDEST to protect it.
Actually, too many members of this website routinely indulge in misogyny and sexism (both patriarchal paradigms). I feel personally violated every time I see a man post such disgusting observations as, "I'd do her!" or "She's hot, until she opens her mouth..." (that one was in reference to Michelle Malkin). Just last week, someone posted an OP featuring unflattering pictures of Republican women--fair game, I guess, since they're 'Republicans.' I have to remind myself that these poor unfortunates are simply manifesting the damages THEY have sustained in our patriarchal culture.
Perhaps our species is finally recognizing that 'power over' is NOT the same as personal power. Power over is destructive; personal power is constructive. Power over is stultifying; personal power is liberating. Perhaps, if we can acknowledge that patriarchy is destructive and stultifying, we can work toward eliminating patriarchy totally and completely.
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