What is Patriarchy?
Patriarchy is systemic societal structures that institutionalize male physical, social and economic power over women. Some feminists use the concept of patriarchy to explain the systematic subordination of women by both overarching and localized structures. These structures work to the benefit of men by constraining women’s life choices and chances.There are many differing interpretations of patriarchy. However, the roots of patriarchy are often located in sexual violence, interwoven with capitalist exploitation. The main ‘sightings’ of patriarchal oppression have been identified in housework, paid work, the state, culture, sexuality and violence. Behaviors that discriminate against women because of their gender are seen as patriarchal practices: for example, occupational segregation, exclusion and unequal pay.
The concept of patriarchy has been drawn into gender and development theorizing in order to challenge not only unequal gender relations but also unequal capitalist relations, sometimes seen as underpinning patriarchy (Mies, 1986; DAWN, 1995). Feminists who explain gender inequality in terms of patriarchy often reject male-biased societal structures and practices and propose greater female autonomy or even separatism as a strategy. In some views, women are seen as having room for maneuver within a constraining patriarchal system by negotiating a ‘patriarchal bargain’ with men. This entails a trade-off between women’s autonomy, and men’s responsibility for their wives and children.
An overarching theory of male power may help to conceptualize the extent of gender inequality but fails to deal with its complexity. It tends to assume that gender oppression is uniform across time and space. More recent thinking has therefore rejected such a universal concept, identifying the need for detailed historical and cultural analysis to understand gender-based oppression. Neither are women a homogeneous group constrained in identical ways.
Gender inequalities are crosscut by other social inequalities such as class, caste, ethnicity and race, which could be prioritized over gender concerns in certain contexts. A rigid and universal concept of patriarchy denies women space for resistance and strategies for change. A more nuanced analysis is needed that takes into account difference and complexity, and the agency of women.
The concept of patriarchy has been drawn into gender and development theorizing in order to challenge not only unequal gender relations but also unequal capitalist relations, sometimes seen as underpinning patriarchy (Mies, 1986; DAWN, 1995). Feminists who explain gender inequality in terms of patriarchy often reject male-biased societal structures and practices and propose greater female autonomy or even separatism as a strategy. In some views, women are seen as having room for maneuver within a constraining patriarchal system by negotiating a ‘patriarchal bargain’ with men. This entails a trade-off between women’s autonomy, and men’s responsibility for their wives and children.
An overarching theory of male power may help to conceptualize the extent of gender inequality but fails to deal with its complexity. It tends to assume that gender oppression is uniform across time and space. More recent thinking has therefore rejected such a universal concept, identifying the need for detailed historical and cultural analysis to understand gender-based oppression. Neither are women a homogeneous group constrained in identical ways.
Gender inequalities are crosscut by other social inequalities such as class, caste, ethnicity and race, which could be prioritized over gender concerns in certain contexts. A rigid and universal concept of patriarchy denies women space for resistance and strategies for change. A more nuanced analysis is needed that takes into account difference and complexity, and the agency of women.
Culture of Inferiority
Pakhtun culture promotes male dominance. As it’s a patriarchal society, men hold all power. Men are considered to be the head decision makers of the family. Women are considered property of men, always controlled by fathers and brothers as adolescents and by their husbands after marriage.
The women inferiority culture is mostly promoted by pashtoon males. Females are representations of ego and honor.
A girl cannot get education until and unless all of her male family members agree. A girl is not asked for her will before her marriage, this decision is also made by the male family members. Women are seen as as house workers but are not considered in any household discussions or decisions.
When a man commits a crime, a girl from the criminal’s family is married to the victim's family and then it's their choice how to treat the girl.
If a girl wants to have her own life, it's considered as bad thinking, even as a shame that results in the death of that girl in the name of honor killing.
The women inferiority culture is mostly promoted by pashtoon males. Females are representations of ego and honor.
A girl cannot get education until and unless all of her male family members agree. A girl is not asked for her will before her marriage, this decision is also made by the male family members. Women are seen as as house workers but are not considered in any household discussions or decisions.
When a man commits a crime, a girl from the criminal’s family is married to the victim's family and then it's their choice how to treat the girl.
If a girl wants to have her own life, it's considered as bad thinking, even as a shame that results in the death of that girl in the name of honor killing.