Patriarchy

Definition

Patriarchy is a social system in which men hold primary power, dominating in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property. This system often promotes traditional gender roles and can lead to the marginalization of women and non-binary individuals, reinforcing a hierarchy based on gender. In the context of art, especially queer portraiture, patriarchy influences representations of identity, power dynamics, and challenges against conventional norms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Patriarchy has roots in historical structures that favored male dominance, often reflected in laws, traditions, and societal expectations.
2. In the context of queer portraiture, artists like Kehinde Wiley challenge patriarchal norms by reimagining power dynamics through their depictions of Black and queer identities.
3. The concept of patriarchy not only oppresses women but also imposes restrictive norms on men, limiting their expressions of emotion and vulnerability.
4. Art can serve as a powerful tool for deconstructing patriarchy by providing alternative narratives that celebrate diverse identities and challenge traditional representations.
5. Kehinde Wiley’s work often juxtaposes historical European portraiture with contemporary subjects, revealing how patriarchal history informs current discussions around race, gender, and sexuality.

Review Questions

• How does patriarchy influence the representation of identity in Kehinde Wiley's portraiture?
  • Patriarchy influences the representation of identity in Kehinde Wiley's portraiture by shaping societal expectations about power and dominance. By portraying Black and queer subjects in grand historical poses traditionally reserved for white male figures, Wiley critiques the patriarchal system that has historically marginalized these identities. His work challenges viewers to reconsider who is depicted as powerful in art and society, pushing back against conventional norms.
• Evaluate the impact of patriarchy on the portrayal of gender roles in art history and how this relates to contemporary queer portraiture.
  • Patriarchy has historically dictated gender roles in art history, often limiting representations to idealized forms of masculinity and femininity. This restrictive framework has perpetuated stereotypes that influence both the creation and interpretation of art. Contemporary queer portraiture, such as Wiley's work, seeks to dismantle these limitations by offering more diverse and inclusive representations that celebrate fluidity and challenge traditional gender norms.
• Critically analyze how Kehinde Wiley’s artworks serve as a response to patriarchal structures in society and their implications for queer representation.
  • Kehinde Wiley's artworks serve as a bold response to patriarchal structures by subverting traditional depictions of power and authority in art. By placing Black and queer subjects in classical poses typically reserved for white male elites, Wiley critiques the exclusionary practices rooted in patriarchy. This not only elevates marginalized voices but also encourages viewers to engage with themes of identity and representation critically, prompting broader conversations about race, gender, and sexuality in contemporary society.

Related terms

Heteronormativity: The belief that heterosexuality is the default or normal sexual orientation, which often shapes societal expectations and reinforces patriarchal structures.

Gender Role: Societal expectations about how individuals should behave based on their gender, often dictated by patriarchal norms.

Feminism: A movement seeking to address gender inequalities and challenge the patriarchal systems that perpetuate discrimination against women and marginalized genders.