Patriarchy

Patriarchy is the institutionalized domination of women and children by men. Patriarchy is important because it is one of the historically most enduring inequalities in political life; it has also had a most profound effect on [Page 586]political behavior. Patriarchy—varying in both form and content—has been conceptualized as both ahistorical and universal.

Patriarchy has several institutionalizations. In the privatized form, men (typically the fathers) exercise their dominion within the family, in both extended and nuclear families. In its public form, patriarchy is found in the political arena, in religious organizations, in corporations, and elsewhere. This entry looks at advocates and critiques of patriarchy.