Patriarchy

Definition

Patriarchy is a social system where men hold primary power, predominating in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property. This system influences various aspects of life, including familial structures, economic opportunities, and societal norms, often leading to the subordination of women. In historical contexts, especially during certain periods, patriarchy has significantly shaped gender roles and expectations within society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Victorian society was characterized by a strict division of gender roles, with men occupying positions of power in public life while women were expected to manage domestic responsibilities.
2. Women had limited legal rights during this period, often requiring male guardianship to make decisions related to property and finances.
3. The concept of 'separate spheres' defined the expectations of men as breadwinners and women as caretakers, reinforcing patriarchal values.
4. Literature from the Victorian era often reflected and critiqued patriarchal norms through female characters' struggles for autonomy and identity.
5. Challenges to patriarchal authority began to emerge in literature and social movements, laying the groundwork for early feminist thought.

Review Questions

• How does patriarchy manifest in the social structures of Victorian society?
  • In Victorian society, patriarchy manifested through rigid gender roles where men were expected to be the providers and decision-makers while women were relegated to domestic duties. This structure limited women's access to education and economic independence, making them reliant on male figures. The legal framework also supported this system by restricting women's rights regarding property and finances, further entrenching the societal expectations that upheld male dominance.
• In what ways do 'Jane Eyre' and 'Wuthering Heights' critique patriarchal values through their female characters?
  • Both 'Jane Eyre' and 'Wuthering Heights' critique patriarchal values by showcasing strong female protagonists who resist societal constraints. Jane Eyre asserts her independence by rejecting traditional gender roles and pursuing her own identity despite facing significant obstacles. Similarly, Catherine Earnshaw's tumultuous relationship with Heathcliff illustrates the challenges of navigating love within a patriarchal framework. These narratives highlight the limitations placed on women and question the validity of societal expectations.
• Evaluate the impact of patriarchy on women's identity formation in 'Jane Eyre' and 'Wuthering Heights', considering historical context.
  • Patriarchy deeply impacts women's identity formation in both 'Jane Eyre' and 'Wuthering Heights', reflecting the historical context of the Victorian era where women's roles were largely confined to domestic spheres. Jane Eyre’s journey is marked by her struggle against male authority figures, which ultimately leads her to define her identity on her own terms. In contrast, Catherine's identity is heavily influenced by her relationships with men, reflecting a more traditional response to patriarchal expectations. Both narratives reveal how women navigate these oppressive structures, illustrating a spectrum of resistance and conformity that shapes their identities.

Related terms

Gender Roles: Socially constructed roles and behaviors that society considers appropriate for men and women.

Feminism: A movement that advocates for women's rights and equality between genders, challenging the norms established by patriarchal systems.

Victorian Ideals: Cultural norms and values during the Victorian era that emphasized strict gender roles, morality, and family structures, often upholding patriarchal authority.