Explanation
Patriarchy describes social structures and cultural systems characterized by male dominance and gender inequality. In patriarchal societies, men tend to possess greater access to power, authority, resources, and institutional influence than women.
Feminist scholars emphasize that patriarchy is not limited to individual attitudes but operates through broader institutional, cultural, economic, and symbolic structures.
Patriarchal systems may shape:
- gender roles,
- family relations,
- labor markets,
- political representation,
- sexual norms,
- and forms of violence and social control.
In criminology, patriarchy is especially important for understanding domestic violence, sexual violence, gendered victimization, masculinities, and the historical exclusion of women from criminological theory and criminal justice institutions.
Contemporary debates also examine how patriarchal norms are reproduced or challenged through digital cultures, media representations, and online subcultures such as parts of the manosphere.
Theoretical Reference
Patriarchy is associated with feminist theory, gender studies, feminist criminology, masculinity studies, and critical sociology.