patriarchalism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

'Patriarchy' typically refers to the actual social system where men hold primary power. 'Patriarchalism' more specifically denotes the ideology, principles, or theoretical framework that justifies or analyses that system. They are often used interchangeably, but 'patriarchalism' leans toward the ideological aspect.

Extremely rarely. In contemporary usage, it is almost exclusively a critical or analytical term. It might be used descriptively in historical analysis without explicit negative judgement, but it inherently describes a hierarchical power structure now widely questioned.

No. It is a low-frequency, specialized academic term. An average native speaker might not be familiar with it, whereas 'patriarchy' is more widely recognized.

The primary adjective is 'patriarchal'. 'Patriarchalistic' is a less common, more explicitly theory-laden derivative. Descriptors like 'entrenched', 'pervasive', 'traditional', or 'institutional' often modify it.

A social system or ideology characterized by the dominance of men in positions of authority and power, typically within families, institutions, or society at large.

Patriarchalism is usually formal, academic in register.

Patriarchalism: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpeɪtriˈɑːkəlɪzəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpeɪtriˈɑːrkəlɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.