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Patriarchal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆ
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patriarchal

[หŒpeษชtriหˆษ‘หrkษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

society

Relating to or characteristic of a system of society or government controlled by men.

Synonyms

male-dominated, masculine, paternalistic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
patriarchal

Use when discussing a social system or organization where men hold primary power and roles of political leadership, moral authority, and social privilege.

  • The society was deeply patriarchal, with men making all significant decisions.
  • She challenged the patriarchal norms that restricted women's freedom.
male-dominated

Use when referring to environments or fields where men predominantly occupy superior roles or positions, potentially implying an imbalance in gender representation.

  • Engineering is often seen as a male-dominated profession.
  • The boardroom was male-dominated, with very few women holding executive roles.
masculine

Use when describing qualities, behaviors, or appearances traditionally associated with men and boys.

  • He exuded a very masculine energy, with his deep voice and confident stride.
  • Certain sports are often unfairly labeled as more masculine.
paternalistic

Use when describing a management style or societal system where authority figures restrict the freedom of those subordinate to them, supposedly in their best interest; often has a condescending or negative connotation.

  • The company's paternalistic approach meant making all decisions for the employees.
  • She resented his paternalistic attitude toward her professional abilities.

Examples of usage

  • The patriarchal society of the early 20th century limited women's rights and opportunities.
  • The patriarchal structure in the organization favored male employees over females.
Context #2 | Adjective

family

Relating to a system where the father or eldest male is the head of the family.

Synonyms

dominant, fatherly, paternal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
patriarchal

Refers to something that relates to or is characteristic of a patriarch or a society controlled by men.

  • The patriarchal family structure placed the father at the top of the hierarchy
  • Many researchers argue that historical texts reflect a patriarchal worldview
paternal

Related to or characteristic of a father, often used in a biological sense or to describe father-like authority and care.

  • He showed paternal concern for his students, always checking on their progress
  • Her paternal instincts kicked in when she saw the child was in danger
fatherly

Refers to a kind, protective, and caring attitude similar to that of a good father. Typically has a positive connotation.

  • He gave her a fatherly hug when she was feeling sad
  • His advice was always fatherly and supportive
dominant

Used to describe someone or something that is more powerful, influential, or noticeable than others. It doesn't necessarily have a negative connotation but can imply aggression or control.

  • The lion is the dominant animal in the jungle
  • She has a very dominant personality and tends to lead every group she's in

Examples of usage

  • In many patriarchal cultures, the eldest male makes all the important decisions for the family.
  • The patriarchal family structure often places more authority and power in the hands of men.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • Many ancient societies, like those in Mesopotamia and Greece, were patriarchal, often limiting women's roles.
  • In medieval Europe, feudal systems were typically patriarchal, with lords (men) controlling land and people.

Pop Culture

  • In literature and films, patriarchal themes often show conflicts between male authority and female independence.
  • Notable works like 'The Handmaid's Tale' critique patriarchal societies and their impacts on women.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that patriarchal societies can lead to gender stereotypes, affecting personal identities and relationships.
  • Research indicates that both men and women in patriarchal cultures may internalize certain roles and expectations.

Contemporary Issues

  • Many movements today aim to challenge patriarchal norms and advocate for gender equality in various sectors.
  • Debates around patriarchy focus on its effects on equality, justice, and societal roles in both developing and developed countries.

Origin of 'patriarchal'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'patriarchฤ“s', meaning 'chief or ruler of a family'.
  • The prefix 'patri-' means 'father', indicating the fatherly authority in these structures.

The term 'patriarchal' comes from the Greek word 'patriarkhฤ“s', which means 'father or male head of a family'. The concept of patriarchal societies has existed for centuries, with men traditionally holding positions of power and authority. Patriarchal systems have been prevalent in many cultures and have often led to gender inequality and discrimination.

See also: patriarch, patriarchs.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,434, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.