patriarchy
C1Formal, Academic, Critical/Sociopolitical discourse
Definition
Meaning
A social system in which men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property.
The structure and ideology of male domination; the systemic, institutionalised, and cultural privileging of men and masculinity, often critiqued as the basis for gender inequality. Also used to refer to a society, institution, or family unit governed by this system.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This term functions as both a concrete count noun (e.g., 'ancient patriarchies') and an abstract, uncountable concept (e.g., 'the system of patriarchy'). In modern discourse, it is almost exclusively used as a critical term, not a neutral descriptor of a social structure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or core usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term carries strong political and sociological connotations. It is a key term in feminist and critical theory.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English academic/social science contexts, but prevalent in both varieties in relevant discourses.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + the patriarchy (challenge, dismantle, critique)under + [determiner] + patriarchy (under a, under this)the patriarchy + [verb] (oppresses, privileges, structures)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The old boys' club (informal, related concept)”
- “Smash the patriarchy (slogan)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; might be used critically in DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) contexts to describe male-dominated corporate cultures: 'The consultancy aims to dismantle the patriarchy inherent in the industry's promotion structures.'
Academic
Very common in Sociology, Gender Studies, Political Science, History. Used as a precise analytical concept: 'Her thesis examines the relationship between capitalism and patriarchy in the 19th century.'
Everyday
Used in political or social discussions, often with a critical/activist tone. Less common in casual small talk: 'Many films are starting to challenge the tropes upheld by the patriarchy.'
Technical
Used as a specific term in feminist theory and social analysis, often contrasted with other systems like kyriarchy or matriarchy.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The movement seeks to deconstruct and ultimately overthrow how society is patriarched.
American English
- The film argues that the legal system has been historically patriarched to favour male plaintiffs.
adverb
British English
- The estate was managed patriarchally, with all decisions requiring the father's approval.
American English
- The company operated patriarchally long after its competitors had adopted more collaborative models.
adjective
British English
- She presented a sharp critique of the patriarchial norms in Victorian literature.
American English
- The report highlighted deeply patriarchal structures within the organisation's leadership.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- In the old story, the king ruled the patriarchy.
- Some people say we still live in a patriarchy where men have more power.
- Feminist writers argue that patriarchy affects all areas of life, from politics to family relationships.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'PATRI-archy' – like 'PATRI-mony' (inheritance from the father) or 'PATRI-ot' (originally loyalty to the fatherland). The root 'pater' means 'father,' so it's a system where 'fathers' or men rule.
Conceptual Metaphor
PATRIARCHY IS A STRUCTURE/EDIFICE (dismantle, uphold, foundations of); PATRIARCHY IS A SYSTEM (embedded in, operates through); PATRIARCHY IS A FORCE (fight against, resist).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque with 'патриархат', which can have a more neutral, historical, or religious (related to Orthodox Church leadership) connotation. The English term is almost exclusively critical.
- Do not confuse with 'патриархальный' (patriarchal), which can mean 'traditional' or 'old-fashioned' in a more descriptive, less politically charged way in Russian.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling: 'patriarcy' (missing 'h').
- Using it as a synonym for any 'old' or 'traditional' system without the specific gendered power analysis.
- Incorrect plural: 'patriarchies' is correct for multiple distinct systems.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'patriarchy' most precisely and frequently used as a technical concept?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It refers to a systemic and institutionalised structure of power that privileges masculinity, not merely the actions of individual men. It can be upheld by people of any gender.
In modern English academic and critical discourse, it is almost never used positively. Historically, it could neutrally describe a form of governance, but today it is a term of critique.
Sexism refers to prejudice or discrimination based on sex. Patriarchy is the broader societal system that produces and sustains sexism. Sexism is an attitude or action; patriarchy is the structure that enables it.
Yes, scholars often distinguish types, such as 'private patriarchy' (control within the family/household) and 'public patriarchy' (control in politics, the workplace, and cultural institutions).
Collections
Part of a collection
Social Theory
C1 · 47 words · Advanced vocabulary for sociology and social science.