Although some like to disregard the reality, we live in a patriarchal society.A sociological definition for patriarchy is a social system in which males hold primary power, predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege and control of property; in the domain of the family, fathers or father-figures hold authority over women and children. During the twentieth century patriarchy was extremely evident. In my own personal opinion I believe patriarchy has roots from the very beginning of mankind, when the physical survival of mankind was dependent on those who had physical strength and endurance. Even then men were the hunters of our species, they were the protectors. As a result of this they were naturally dominant.
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For example in the workplace, Men disproportionately occupy top leadership positions, often because they exhibit those very same traditional male traits (e.g. outspoken, “rational,” and individual-based leadership).
In addition women often have “lower salaries, appointments at lower ranks, slower rates of promotion and lower rates of retention, and less recognition through awards.” This trend continues despite widespread recognition, which to me indicates that we still need to address the root causes (i.e. patriarchal culture).In addition, the journalism industry itself reserves most senior analyst jobs for men. Further, both men and women that do have these jobs must make sure to spin their stories that subscribe to dominant patriarchal narratives, instead of challenging them. Not only in the workplace but also in the media. The media always finds a way to amplify the patriarchal viewpoint by negative coverage of sexual violence (e.g. the commentary of Steubenville rape case – focused on how a guilty verdict would impact the young football players, rather than on the survivor’s life), unceasing discussions of womens body image and promoting gender binaries. Finally in the family home itself patriarchy is evident. The traditional nuclear family, with men as the “leaders” and women as the “nurturers,” is still incredibly prevalent. This translates into male figure as the “authority” on all important decisions.Family traditions are passed down to each generation implicating that males are the head of the households and females are simple housewives. The continuance of the patriarchy system does not find fault in the hands of the male but continues to operate due to societies unconscious learned behaviors and stereotypical
For example in the workplace, Men disproportionately occupy top leadership positions, often because they exhibit those very same traditional male traits (e.g. outspoken, “rational,” and individual-based leadership).
In addition women often have “lower salaries, appointments at lower ranks, slower rates of promotion and lower rates of retention, and less recognition through awards.” This trend continues despite widespread recognition, which to me indicates that we still need to address the root causes (i.e. patriarchal culture).In addition, the journalism industry itself reserves most senior analyst jobs for men. Further, both men and women that do have these jobs must make sure to spin their stories that subscribe to dominant patriarchal narratives, instead of challenging them. Not only in the workplace but also in the media. The media always finds a way to amplify the patriarchal viewpoint by negative coverage of sexual violence (e.g. the commentary of Steubenville rape case – focused on how a guilty verdict would impact the young football players, rather than on the survivor’s life), unceasing discussions of womens body image and promoting gender binaries. Finally in the family home itself patriarchy is evident. The traditional nuclear family, with men as the “leaders” and women as the “nurturers,” is still incredibly prevalent. This translates into male figure as the “authority” on all important decisions.Family traditions are passed down to each generation implicating that males are the head of the households and females are simple housewives. The continuance of the patriarchy system does not find fault in the hands of the male but continues to operate due to societies unconscious learned behaviors and stereotypical