Hemani Kandhari
The world is heading towards change , be it a social change or a political one but when we talk of patriarchy it’s a deep rooted structure. The patriarchy is a social system where power is predominantly held by men, and societal structures are organized to prioritize male power. This hierarchical framework often manifests in political, economic and cultural realms, perpetuating gender-based inequalities which results in men typically occupying positions of power and women facing systemic disadvantages. The patriarchy also contributes to establishment of traditional gender roles, prescribing specific behaviors and expectations for individuals based on their gender.Patriarchy deeply embedded in societal structures, continues to shape the lives of individuals around the world.
Historical roots:
Examining the historical origins of patriarchy reveals its evolution alongside societal developments. From ancient civilizations to the present day, patriarchy has been ingrained in cultural practices, legal systems, and religious beliefs.From ancient civilization, medieval era, industrial revolution, 19th and 20th centuries to now in contemporary times the patriarchy is growing with us and the struggle is going on to create more equitable societies.
Impact on gender roles:
Patriarchy assigns specific roles and expectations based on gender, reinforcing stereotypes that limit both men and women. Women are traditionally confined to domestic spheres, while men are encouraged to pursue positions of power and authority. In our society the women is who don’t have any say in any major decision, only the head of the family who is a male has all the decision making power. The work outside home is usually given to brothers or the men of the family and the small work inside home such as dusting, kitchen related work is given to the women. In some areas the women is deprived of education and other facilities due to lack of freedom of mobility at night.
Patriarchy a problematic structure for both the sexes:
The patriarchal societies often dictate specific roles for men and women. Men are typically expected to assume leadership positions, be assertive, and display qualities associated with strength and dominance with knowing their say. Women, on the other hand, are often expected to prioritize nurturing roes, focusing on caregiving and domestic responsibilities. Men are force to believe that they are the only breadwinner for the family and they can’t stay at home doing work associated with nurturing or their home as if that’s not their home. This division of work limit their thinking power and not willingly they have to do these work and fit into societal norms and traditions.It also inhibit them to express their emotions which further sometimes leads to depression and other problems related to mental health. Gender biases may steer individuals towards certain fields of study or discourage them from pursuing careers that defy traditional gender norms.
What contributes to reinforcement of patriarchy:
From an early age, individuals in patriarchal societies are socialized in telling their gender roles. Long-standing historical practices and traditions have often established patriarchal norms, influencing societal structures and shaping expectations over time.Toys , clothing and societal expectations all contribute to the reinforcement of traditional gender norms. Media plays a significant role in shaping societal concentrated in male-dominant spheres. This has contributed in disparities in wages, job opportunities and overall economic power. Education has also played a vital role in understanding of gender and sexes through text books , where the women is shown doing only household works where as male is portrayed doing masculine works which is associated with strength and mind.
How to dismantle patriarchy:
Dismantling patriarchy requires concentrated efforts across various aspects of society. Steps include promoting gender sensitive education to raise awareness about the harmful impact of patriarchy. Encourage critical thinking about gender roles, stereotypes and their consequences. Work towards eliminating gender-based economic disparities by promoting equal pay, providing equal opportunities for career advancement and challenging occupational segregation. Promote media literacy programs to encourage critical evaluation of gender portrayals in media. Support media initiatives that challenge stereotype and promote diverse narratives. By actively challenge and question traditional gender stereotypes. Encourage individuals to express themselves authentically, regardless of societal expectations related to gender. Promote environment that allow children to explore a diverse range of interests and aspirations.
Recognizing its impact is the first step towards fostering a more equitable and inclusive society, where individuals are free from the constraints of gender-based hierarchies. Addressing patriarchy involves comprehensive efforts, including legal reforms, educational initiatives, challenging cultural norms, and promoting gender equality in various spheres of life.
(The writer is student of semester 4 Journalism and Media Study Department Jammu University).
