Patriarchal society

Definition

A patriarchal society is a social system in which men hold primary power and dominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property. This structure often dictates gender roles, placing men in positions of authority while women are expected to conform to subordinate roles. In many literary works, this concept shapes character dynamics and societal conflicts, reflecting the gender inequalities prevalent in the time periods represented.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In 'The Taming of the Shrew', the character of Petruchio embodies the patriarchal ideals by seeking to assert dominance over Katherina, representing the struggle for power within a male-dominated society.
2. The dynamics between characters such as Katherina and Petruchio illustrate how women were often expected to be obedient and submissive in a patriarchal structure.
3. In 'Twelfth Night', Viola's disguise as a man allows her to navigate a patriarchal society more freely, showcasing how gender identity can influence power and agency.
4. Both plays explore the tension between societal expectations of gender roles and individual desires, revealing the constraints placed on both men and women within a patriarchal framework.
5. The resolution of conflicts in both works often reinforces or critiques the established patriarchal norms, prompting audiences to reflect on the implications of such societal structures.

Review Questions

• How do the character dynamics in 'The Taming of the Shrew' illustrate the concept of a patriarchal society?
  • The character dynamics in 'The Taming of the Shrew' clearly showcase a patriarchal society through Petruchio's attempts to dominate Katherina. His actions reflect societal expectations that men should assert control over women. Katherina’s initial resistance highlights her struggle against these imposed roles, while her eventual submission raises questions about compliance within a patriarchal framework.
• In what ways does Viola’s disguise in 'Twelfth Night' challenge traditional gender roles within a patriarchal society?
  • Viola's disguise as a man in 'Twelfth Night' allows her to challenge traditional gender roles by gaining access to spaces and power typically reserved for men. This maneuver provides her with greater agency, enabling her to navigate romantic interests and societal expectations differently. The complexities of her identity reflect how patriarchal structures limit women's freedoms while also suggesting that these structures can be subverted.
• Critically analyze how Shakespeare uses humor and conflict to comment on the limitations imposed by patriarchal societies in both 'The Taming of the Shrew' and 'Twelfth Night'.
  • Shakespeare employs humor and conflict in both plays to comment on the limitations imposed by patriarchal societies. In 'The Taming of the Shrew', comedic elements arise from Petruchio's outrageous methods of 'taming' Katherina, exposing absurdities within gender norms. Similarly, 'Twelfth Night' uses mistaken identities and comedic misunderstandings to highlight the fluidity of gender roles. Through these comedic lenses, Shakespeare critiques rigid societal expectations, inviting audiences to question the validity of patriarchal norms.

Related terms

Gender roles: Social and behavioral norms that dictate the types of activities, behaviors, and responsibilities typically expected of men and women.

Feminism: A movement and ideology aimed at establishing and achieving equal rights for women, challenging the traditional roles imposed by patriarchal systems.

Masculinity: The set of attributes, behaviors, and roles generally associated with boys and men, often defined in opposition to femininity.