Gender and Society

MODULE 2 PART 1

Gender and Power: Patriarchy and Matriarchy, Gender Roles and Norms

1. Patriarchy and Matriarchy

Patriarchy and matriarchy are two systems of social organization based on the distribution of
power between genders, with patriarchal systems being male-dominated and matriarchal systems
female-dominated.

• Patriarchy

o Definition: Patriarchy is a social, political, and economic system where men hold
primary power. This system often entails control by men in key areas of society, such
as politics, property ownership, leadership, and the family structure.

o Features: In patriarchal societies, men occupy dominant roles in both public and
private spheres. This manifests in male authority in political leadership, economic
decision-making, and even religious positions. Historically, patriarchy has been
pervasive in most societies, shaping legal, social, and cultural institutions.

o Impact on Gender Roles: In patriarchal systems, traditional gender roles are

reinforced, positioning men as the breadwinners, leaders, and protectors, while
women are often relegated to roles centered around domesticity and caregiving.
These roles are typically considered natural or biologically determined, perpetuating
inequalities.

o Examples: Many historical and contemporary societies operate within patriarchal

frameworks, including most Western, Middle Eastern, and Asian cultures. For
example, traditional Western societies often viewed women as subordinate to men,
limiting their participation in voting, education, and the workforce until the rise of
feminist movements.
Patriarchy: A Real-Life Example

o Patriarchy is a long-standing system in which men hold authority over women in

various aspects of society, including leadership, property ownership, and decision-
making. This social organization tends to reinforce traditional gender roles that
assign men to the public sphere and women to the domestic realm. Let's further
break down the features and impact of patriarchy through real-life examples.

1. Patriarchy in Politics and Leadership

• Example: Saudi Arabia

o Political Leadership: Saudi Arabia is often cited as a prime example of a patriarchal

society, especially concerning political and social roles. Historically, political power
has been held by male monarchs and male elites. Until recently, Saudi women were
not allowed to vote or run for office, and even today, the ruling monarchy and key
government positions remain male-dominated. Although some reforms, like granting
women the right to drive in 2018, have been introduced, patriarchal structures
remain strong.

o Gender Roles: Men are expected to be the providers and protectors of their families,
while women are often viewed as needing guardianship from male relatives. Women
still face restrictions on what they can wear, where they can travel, and with whom
they can interact, demonstrating the lasting effects of patriarchy on their personal
freedom.

2. Patriarchy in Economics and Property Ownership

• Example: Inheritance Laws in India

o Economic Decision-Making: In many parts of India, particularly in rural areas,

property and inheritance laws have historically favored men. While laws have
evolved to allow women to inherit property, traditional practices still often grant
control to male relatives, like fathers or brothers. Many families prefer to give land to
sons, believing that men are better suited to manage property. This economic control
reinforces male dominance, leaving women dependent on male relatives.
 o Gender Roles: In patriarchal Indian families, men are expected to inherit and
manage family wealth, while women are given dowries and are often expected to
focus on household duties and child-rearing. This division reinforces the idea that
men belong in the economic sphere while women remain within the domestic
sphere.

3. Patriarchy in Religion

• Example: Catholic Church

o Religious Leadership: Within the Catholic Church, religious leadership positions

are almost exclusively held by men. Only men can become priests, bishops, or the
Pope. The exclusion of women from the highest positions of religious authority
reinforces a patriarchal system, where men hold the ultimate decision-making power
in spiritual matters.

o Gender Roles: The Catholic Church emphasizes the role of men as the head of the
household and as spiritual leaders. Traditional teachings often portray women as
caregivers and nurturers, reinforcing their domestic roles. While some modern
Catholic communities advocate for gender equality, the institutional structure
remains patriarchal.

4. Impact on Gender Roles

• Patriarchy strongly influences traditional gender roles, often creating significant disparities
between men and women in terms of opportunities and expectations. Here’s how it
manifests:

o Men as Breadwinners: Patriarchal systems position men as the primary earners,

responsible for providing for their families. This reinforces the idea that men should
pursue education, careers, and leadership positions, while women are expected to
prioritize caregiving roles.

o Women in Domestic Roles: Women in patriarchal societies are typically expected

to be caregivers, focusing on raising children and managing household duties. Even
if women work outside the home, they are often still expected to handle domestic
 responsibilities, leading to a “double burden” where women are responsible for both
professional work and household tasks.

• Matriarchy

o Definition: Matriarchy is a social structure in which women, particularly mothers,

have authority over social, political, and economic life. In these societies, women
occupy central leadership roles in governance, family decisions, and cultural
practices.

o Features: In matriarchal systems, power dynamics favor women, often emphasizing

communal cooperation and kinship through the female line. While some matriarchal
societies focus on female leadership, many of these systems do not involve
domination or oppression of men, as seen in patriarchal systems.

o Impact on Gender Roles: In a matriarchal society, gender roles are often more
fluid, allowing both men and women to participate in various aspects of society
without strict adherence to traditional gender expectations. Women may lead both
politically and economically, but there is typically a focus on collective well-being and
balance.

o Examples: While there are few purely matriarchal societies in the modern world,
some Indigenous groups, such as the Mosuo in China or the Minangkabau in
Indonesia, display matriarchal tendencies, with women managing household affairs
and inheriting property. Ancient societies, such as those of pre-colonial Africa or
certain Native American tribes, also had matriarchal structures.

o Matriarchy: A Real-Life Example

o Matriarchy, though much rarer than patriarchy, describes a social system where
women, especially mothers, hold primary authority over the community, leadership,
and decision-making. These systems often emphasize cooperation and communal
support rather than domination.

o 1. Matriarchy in Family and Property Ownership

 o Example: The Mosuo People in China

o Family Structure: The Mosuo, an ethnic group living in southwestern China, are
often referred to as one of the last matriarchal societies. In Mosuo culture, families
are structured around matrilineal descent, meaning inheritance is passed down
through the female line. Women head the households and are responsible for
managing family property.

o Gender Roles: Men in Mosuo society often do not live with their wives and children
but remain in their mothers’ households. Women are responsible for making
decisions about property, marriage, and family life. Men have roles within the family,
but they do not hold the same level of authority as women in these matters.

2. Matriarchy in Decision-Making and Leadership

o Example: The Minangkabau People in Indonesia

o Cultural Leadership: The Minangkabau people of Indonesia are a matrilineal

society where property and family names are passed down through women. While
men hold some political positions, decision-making authority within families and
clans is largely in the hands of women.

o Gender Roles: In Minangkabau society, women manage the family estates, and
decision-making within households is largely a female responsibility. This system
creates a balance between male and female roles, but women retain significant
control over property and family affairs.

o Impact on Gender Roles in Matriarchal Societies

o Unlike patriarchal societies, where rigid gender roles often lead to inequalities,
matriarchal societies tend to have more fluid gender roles. Women in these societies
are not confined to the domestic sphere but hold significant power in economic and
political realms. The flexibility of gender roles in matriarchal societies also allows
men to take on caregiving roles without stigma.

o 3. Comparison of Patriarchy and Matriarchy in Modern Society

 o Patriarchy’s Impact: Patriarchy often results in a society where men hold more
power, creating inequalities between genders in access to resources, education, and
opportunities. Women's roles are often restricted to the household, and they face
systemic barriers to leadership and economic independence.

o Matriarchy’s Impact: In matriarchal societies, while women hold authority, there

tends to be less emphasis on domination and more on communal cooperation.
These societies often prioritize the well-being of the group rather than individual
power, and gender roles are more flexible, allowing both men and women to
participate in various aspects of life.

2. Gender Roles and Norms

Gender roles are the expected behaviors, tasks, and responsibilities that society assigns to
individuals based on their perceived gender. These roles are largely shaped by cultural, religious,
and social norms, and they influence how individuals act and are treated in society.

• Gender Roles

o Definition: Gender roles refer to the social expectations associated with being male
or female in a given society. These roles dictate how men and women are supposed
to behave, what jobs or activities they should engage in, and how they should
present themselves.

o Masculinity and Femininity: In most traditional societies, masculinity is associated

with traits like assertiveness, strength, leadership, and rationality. Men are often
expected to be providers, protectors, and decision-makers. Femininity, on the other
hand, is associated with nurturing, empathy, passivity, and emotionality. Women are
often expected to take care of domestic responsibilities, raise children, and support
their male counterparts.

o Role Socialization: From an early age, individuals are socialized into their gender
roles through family, media, education, and religion. This socialization reinforces the
belief that these roles are natural and desirable. Toys, clothing, and activities are
often divided along gender lines, reinforcing traditional gender expectations.
 • Gender Norms

o Definition: Gender norms refer to the societal rules and expectations for how
individuals should behave based on their gender. These norms shape social conduct
and often reinforce inequalities by dictating the "appropriate" roles, behaviors, and
attitudes for men and women.

o Examples of Gender Norms:

▪ Men are often expected to exhibit traits such as strength, stoicism, and
competitiveness.

▪ Women are frequently expected to be nurturing, caring, and physically

attractive.

o Reinforcement of Gender Norms: Gender norms are reinforced through various

social institutions like the media, education, religion, and family. For example, in
media, men may be portrayed as heroes or leaders, while women are often depicted
in caregiving or subordinate roles. In some cultures, religious texts or traditions
further entrench these roles by outlining "natural" differences between men and
women.

Gender Roles and Norms: A Deeper Exploration with Real-Life Examples

o Gender roles and norms are critical components of social organization, influencing
how individuals behave, what responsibilities they take on, and how they interact
with others based on their perceived gender. These roles are culturally constructed,
deeply rooted in societal expectations, and often reinforced by institutions like
media, education, and religion. Let's explore these concepts further and provide real-
life examples to understand how they manifest in modern societies.

1. Gender Roles

o Definition: Gender roles refer to the societal expectations that dictate what
behaviors, tasks, and responsibilities are appropriate for men and women. These
roles are often viewed as natural or biologically determined but are, in fact, shaped
by historical, cultural, and social norms.
a. Masculinity and Femininity

o In most societies, masculinity and femininity are defined by a set of traits that are
considered desirable or appropriate for men and women, respectively.

Masculinity

o Traits: Assertiveness, strength, leadership, competitiveness, stoicism.

o Example: The "Man as Provider" Role

o In many cultures, men are still expected to be the primary breadwinners in their
families. For instance, in the United States, despite the rise in dual-income
households, societal pressure on men to be financially responsible for their families
persists. Men who do not fit this mold, such as stay-at-home fathers, often face
judgment or are seen as deviating from their expected role.

o Professional Expectations: Men are typically encouraged to pursue careers in

fields that emphasize physical or intellectual strength, such as engineering, finance,
or politics. In many cultures, male leadership is normalized, and men are often
expected to take charge in both professional and family settings.

Femininity

o Traits: Nurturing, empathy, passivity, emotionality, caregiving.

o Example: Women as Caregivers

o In countries like Japan, the expectation that women should be responsible for
household duties and child-rearing remains strong, despite increasing participation
of women in the workforce. Japanese women often leave their jobs once they have
children due to societal pressure to dedicate themselves to motherhood and the
household, reinforcing the idea that caregiving is a "natural" role for women.

o Domestic Responsibilities: Globally, women are often expected to handle

domestic chores and child-rearing, even when they are employed. In many
traditional households, men are expected to earn money, while women manage the
home. These roles are still prominent in societies like India, where women often
 balance both professional and domestic roles, with the domestic responsibilities
remaining largely their own.

b. Role Socialization

o From childhood, people are socialized into their gender roles through interactions
with family, media, education, and religion.

o Family Influence: Families often reinforce gender roles by encouraging boys to

engage in sports or leadership activities while girls are encouraged to play with dolls
or learn domestic skills. For example, in many Western families, boys are given
action figures or cars to play with, while girls are given dolls or kitchen sets, subtly
reinforcing the idea that boys are active and adventurous, while girls are nurturing
and focused on caregiving.

o Media Influence: Television, movies, and advertisements often reinforce traditional

gender roles. For instance, in many advertisements, men are depicted in positions
of power (as CEOs, leaders, or problem solvers), while women are often shown
performing household tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, or caring for children. The
prevalence of such portrayals perpetuates the notion that these roles are natural and
desirable.

o Education Influence: Schools also contribute to gender role socialization. Boys

may be encouraged to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math)
subjects, while girls are often steered toward more "nurturing" fields like teaching or
nursing. For example, studies have shown that teachers tend to call on boys more
frequently in math and science classes, subtly encouraging them to pursue these
fields.

2. Gender Norms

o Definition: Gender norms refer to the socially constructed rules and expectations
about how individuals should behave based on their gender. These norms are
deeply embedded in societal institutions and affect how men and women interact
with each other and the world around them.
 a. Examples of Gender Norms

o Men are expected to exhibit traits such as strength, stoicism, and

competitiveness

o Example: "Boys Don't Cry" Norm

o In many cultures, men are discouraged from expressing vulnerability or emotions

such as sadness or fear. This is evident in the common phrase "boys don't cry,"
which perpetuates the idea that emotional expression is a sign of weakness for men.
In Western cultures, this norm often pressures men to suppress their feelings,
leading to issues like toxic masculinity, where men feel they must conform to ideals
of strength and emotional control, sometimes to the detriment of their mental health.

o Women are frequently expected to be nurturing, caring, and physically

attractive

o Example: Beauty Standards for Women

o Women are often judged based on their physical appearance, with an emphasis on
youth, beauty, and body shape. In many societies, women are expected to conform
to unrealistic beauty standards, which can include maintaining a slim figure, wearing
makeup, and adhering to specific fashion trends. In countries like South Korea, there
is intense pressure on women to undergo cosmetic surgery to achieve an idealized
look, reflecting societal expectations around femininity and attractiveness.

b. Reinforcement of Gender Norms

o Gender norms are reinforced through social institutions like the media, education,
religion, and family. These norms often perpetuate inequalities between men and
women by dictating what is considered "appropriate" behavior, responsibilities, and
opportunities based on gender.

o Media Representation

o Example: Gender Stereotypes in Media

 o In many advertisements and TV shows, men are often portrayed as leaders,
problem-solvers, or action heroes, reinforcing the idea that men should be in control
and assertive. Women, on the other hand, are frequently shown as supportive
characters, mothers, or caretakers, perpetuating the stereotype that women are
naturally nurturing and dependent on men. These portrayals reinforce the idea that
gender roles are fixed and should be adhered to.

o Religious Traditions

o Example: Gender Roles in Christianity

o In some conservative Christian communities, traditional gender roles are seen as

divinely ordained. Men are often viewed as the "head of the household," while
women are expected to submit to their husbands and focus on raising children and
managing the home. These norms are justified using religious texts, which are
interpreted to affirm that men and women have different, complementary roles in life.
This interpretation reinforces a patriarchal structure within both the family and
religious institutions.

c. Impact of Gender Norms on Society

o Gender norms affect both men and women, shaping their identities and behaviors in
ways that often reinforce gender inequalities.

o Men’s Mental Health: The expectation that men should be stoic and unemotional
can lead to suppressed emotions, resulting in higher rates of mental health issues
like depression and anxiety among men. Studies in the U.S. and Europe have shown
that men are less likely to seek help for mental health problems because of the
stigma surrounding emotional vulnerability.

o Women in the Workforce: In many countries, women face challenges in the

workplace due to gender norms that dictate that they should prioritize family over
career. For example, in the United States, women are often expected to take on the
majority of childcare responsibilities, which can hinder their career advancement.
 This is also evident in the gender pay gap, where women, especially those with
children, tend to earn less than their male counterparts.

• Impact on Society

o Reinforcement of Power Dynamics: Gender roles and norms often perpetuate

patriarchal systems by ensuring that men hold positions of authority while women
are marginalized in key areas of power, such as politics and economics.

o Limiting Individual Potential: Gender roles can limit the opportunities available to
both men and women by confining them to rigid expectations. For example, women
may feel pressured to prioritize family over career aspirations, while men may feel
obligated to suppress their emotions to conform to ideals of masculinity.

o Resistance and Change: In modern society, there has been increasing resistance
to traditional gender roles, particularly through feminist movements and LGBTQ+
advocacy. Gender roles are being challenged and redefined as more individuals
push for equality and the acceptance of diverse gender identities.

The concept of gender and power is deeply intertwined with the systems of patriarchy and
matriarchy and the expectations established by gender roles and norms. Patriarchal societies,
where men traditionally hold power, have shaped much of the modern world, while matriarchal
systems, though less common, provide alternative models of gender power dynamics. Gender
roles, deeply ingrained in society, dictate behavior and often reinforce power hierarchies. However,
these roles and norms are not fixed, and shifts in societal attitudes toward gender are leading to
changes in how power is distributed and how individuals express their identities. The ongoing
challenge lies in deconstructing oppressive norms and creating a more equitable society where
power is not determined by gender.