patriarchy

American  

[pey-tree-ahr-kee] / ˈpeɪ triˌɑr ki /

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 British  

/ 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 Cultural  

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

Etymology

Origin of patriarchy

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

Example Sentences

If you’re wondering what’s included in their letters to Santa this year, Jinkx is asking for the dismantling of the patriarchy, the rise of feminine rule and unabashed freedom for androgynous people.

From Los Angeles Times

“What’s in decline is patriarchy, and people’s demand for it,” she added.

From Salon

She believes women are hesitating to post their partners because of the "patriarchy we live under, and how oppressive it is to women".

From BBC

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.

From Los Angeles Times

But in a country steeped in patriarchy, challenges remain.

From BBC