Introduction
Patriarchy is a social system in which men hold primary power and dominate roles in leadership, authority, moral authority, and property ownership. In patriarchal societies, women are often assigned secondary roles and expected to be obedient, submissive, and dependent on men. This system affects women’s rights, freedoms, and opportunities from birth through adulthood. In this article, we will explain how patriarchy controls women in various aspects of life, including family, education, employment, and social behavior.
1. Control Through Family and Marriage
Patriarchy begins at home. From a young age, girls are taught to behave differently than boys.
- Gender roles: Girls are expected to help with household chores, while boys are given more freedom.
- Marriage control: In many cases, women have little say in choosing their life partners. Arranged marriages and early marriages are common in patriarchal societies.
- Dowry system: Families often treat daughters as a financial burden because of dowry expectations, further reducing their value.
- Control over mobility: Women may be restricted from going out alone or working outside the home, reinforcing dependency on male family members.
2. Control in Education
Although access to education has improved, patriarchal norms still limit girls’ education in many places.
- Girls are often pulled out of school early to help at home or get married.
- In some areas, families prioritize boys’ education, believing that educating a girl is a waste because she will marry and leave the family.
- Lack of proper facilities like separate toilets in schools also discourages girls from continuing their studies.
3. Control at the Workplace
Patriarchy influences women’s participation in the workforce and their treatment at work.
- Women are often paid less than men for the same work.
- They are underrepresented in leadership positions and decision-making roles.
- Workplaces may lack safety and support systems, making them uncomfortable or unsafe for women.
- Many women are expected to quit their jobs after marriage or childbirth, limiting their financial independence.
4. Control Over Women’s Bodies and Sexuality
Patriarchal societies often control women’s bodies, choices, and sexuality.
- Women are told what to wear, how to behave, and who they can interact with.
- Sexual violence and harassment are often justified by blaming women for “provoking” men.
- Access to reproductive health services and freedom to make decisions about their own bodies is often restricted.
5. Legal and Political Control
Even though laws exist to support women’s rights, patriarchal attitudes weaken their implementation.
- Women may face bias in police stations, courts, or government offices.
- Political representation of women is low in many parts of the world, including India.
- Even when women hold positions of power, they are often undermined or not taken seriously.
6. Cultural and Media Influence
Patriarchy is reinforced through culture, religion, and media.
- Many religious teachings and traditional customs promote male dominance and female submission.
- Movies and TV often portray women as dependent, emotional, or focused only on beauty and marriage.
- These messages influence how people think about gender roles and maintain patriarchal values.
Conclusion
Patriarchy is a deeply rooted system that controls women through various means—family expectations, social norms, education restrictions, and economic barriers. It limits their freedom, independence, and opportunities for growth. Breaking the cycle of patriarchy requires collective effort from families, communities, governments, and individuals. Education, awareness, and equal rights are key tools to empower women and ensure a more just and equal society for all.