patriarchy

[pey-tree-ahr-kee]

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

/ 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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of patriarchy¹

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

Example Sentences

The gags feel klutzier when they aim for 21st century humor — say, Hewitt sipping tea from a mug that reads “tears of the patriarchy.”

From Los Angeles Times

These debates, especially if witnessed by younger women who haven't fully made up their minds about their political identities, help to instill a sense that being a handmaiden of patriarchy is cringeworthy.

From Salon

Walters’ story also gives a guided tour of the obstacle-ridden path women faced in the early days of TV news when it was dominated by patriarchy and self-importance.

From Los Angeles Times

You guys, I don't think she's being entirely sincere with album art implying submission to the patriarchy.

From Salon

Trump was selling the same message to his voters: Wouldn't it be easier to live in a fantasy where patriarchy is all kittens and rainbows?

From Salon