I was interested in the idea that patriarchy could go right back to our neolithic ancestors (detailed in the next blog post). On that basis, can I suggest an amendment to your definition:
"Patriarchy is a historically constructed social, political, economic and cultural system. At its heart is the notion of inherent male superiority, which gives men advantages over resources and creates an expectation of their leadership, both in the home and the wider world, when there is no longer a clear survival dependent reason for men to have that advantage."
Whilst our neolithic ancestors may have found the split between roles a useful survival mechanism - once that dependence on survival is removed, there is no longer any reason for men to have the advantages etc, in your definition - and it would be, at that point, that it became the Patriarchy?
I love this, Barry! And I agree there was a point in time that it moved from a useful way of organising society into what we can term a "system." Oh to have a time machine, eh?
I was interested in the idea that patriarchy could go right back to our neolithic ancestors (detailed in the next blog post). On that basis, can I suggest an amendment to your definition:
"Patriarchy is a historically constructed social, political, economic and cultural system. At its heart is the notion of inherent male superiority, which gives men advantages over resources and creates an expectation of their leadership, both in the home and the wider world, when there is no longer a clear survival dependent reason for men to have that advantage."
Whilst our neolithic ancestors may have found the split between roles a useful survival mechanism - once that dependence on survival is removed, there is no longer any reason for men to have the advantages etc, in your definition - and it would be, at that point, that it became the Patriarchy?
I love this, Barry! And I agree there was a point in time that it moved from a useful way of organising society into what we can term a "system." Oh to have a time machine, eh?
So important Kaye and so relevant today.I am beginning to think that the terms 'Cancel Culture: and 'Woke' need such an examination too.