The Patriarchy Packet
Rabbi Noam Raucher, MA. Ed Executive Director — Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs
WHAT IS “THE PATRIARCHY” AND HOW HAS IT IMPACTED MEN AND SOCIETY?
“The patriarchy” refers to a social system or structure in which men, particularly cisgender men (those whose gender identity matches the sex assigned to them at birth), hold primary power and privilege, and they dominate roles of political leadership, economic authority, and social influence. This system has traditionally placed men in positions of authority and control, while women and gender minorities have been subordinated, marginalized, or excluded from many spheres of life.
The impact of the patriarchy on men is a complex and multifaceted topic. While men as a group have historically benefited from the patriarchy in terms of access to power, resources, and social status, it’s important to recognize that not all men have experienced these benefits equally. Factors such as race, class, sexual orientation, and other social identities intersect with gender, leading to different experiences within the male population.
Key characteristics of patriarchy include:
Male Dominance: In a patriarchal society, men typically hold the majority of positions of power and authority, both in the public and private spheres. This includes leadership roles in politics, business, religion, and other areas.
Gender Inequality: Patriarchy often results in unequal treatment of genders, with men being afforded greater opportunities, resources, and social status compared to women and gender minorities.
Gender Norms and Roles: Patriarchy enforces traditional gender norms and roles, prescribing certain behaviors and expectations for men and women. These norms can be restrictive and harmful, such as the expectation that men should be strong, stoic, and dominant.
Systemic Discrimination: It perpetuates systemic discrimination against women and gender minorities, leading to disparities in areas like income, education, healthcare, and representation.
Male Privilege: Men, as a group, may experience privileges in a patriarchal society, often unconsciously benefiting from the existing power structures.
Here are some ways in which the patriarchy has impacted men:
Gender Expectations: The patriarchy enforces strict gender norms and expectations on men, such as the pressure to be stoic, unemotional, and aggressive. This can lead to emotional repression, mental health issues, and difficulties in forming healthy relationships.
Toxic Masculinity: The patriarchal system often promotes toxic masculinity, which can manifest in behaviors like dominance, aggression, and a disregard for vulnerability. This can harm men’s mental and emotional well-being and perpetuate harmful behaviors.
Limited Emotional Expression: Men are sometimes discouraged from expressing a full range of emotions, leading to emotional suppression. This can hinder their ability to communicate, empathize, and develop meaningful connections with others.
Work-Life Balance: Traditional gender roles often place a burden on men to be the primary breadwinners and providers for their families. This can create stress and pressure to prioritize work over family life and personal well-being.
Rigid Gender Roles: The patriarchy reinforces rigid gender roles, limiting men’s choices in terms of career, hobbies, and personal interests. This can lead to dissatisfaction and a lack of fulfillment in life.
Men’s Mental Health: Men may be less likely to seek help for mental health issues due to the stigma associated with vulnerability and emotional expression. This can result in untreated mental health problems and higher rates of suicide among men.
Gender-Based Violence: While the patriarchy primarily oppresses women, it can also contribute to violence and abusive behavior by some men who feel entitled to power and control in relationships.
It’s important to note that many men actively challenge and reject these harmful aspects of the patriarchy and work towards more equitable and inclusive societies. Movements advocating for gender equality, like feminism, have often included men as allies and supporters in the fight against patriarchal norms and systems. Recognizing and addressing the negative impacts of the patriarchy on men is a crucial part of creating a more just and equitable society for everyone.
HOW CAN MEN HELP TO DISMANTLE THE PATRIARCHY
Men can play a crucial role in dismantling the patriarchy and promoting gender equality. Here are some ways in which men can contribute to this important goal:
Educate Yourself: Start by learning about the history of patriarchy, gender inequality, and the experiences of women and gender minorities. Read books, articles, and research on the subject. Seek out diverse perspectives and voices.
Reflect on Your Own Privilege: Recognize that as a man, you may have privilege in a patriarchal society. Reflect on how this privilege has benefited you and how it might contribute to gender inequality. Self-awareness is an essential first step.
Challenge Harmful Norms: Speak out against toxic masculinity and harmful gender norms when you encounter them in your personal life, workplace, or social circles. Challenge stereotypes and encourage others to do the same.
Be an Ally: Support women and gender minorities in their efforts to challenge the patriarchy. Listen to their experiences, amplify their voices, and take action to address issues they face.
Promote Gender Equality at Work: Advocate for equal pay, fair hiring practices, and equal opportunities for women and gender minorities in your workplace. Encourage diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Share Household Responsibilities: Share domestic chores and childcare responsibilities with your partner. Promote a more equitable distribution of labor at home.
Mentor and Sponsor: Support and mentor women and gender minorities in your field or industry. Help create opportunities for them to advance in their careers.
Challenge Sexist Language and Behavior: Don’t tolerate or participate in sexist jokes, comments, or actions. Speak up when you witness such behavior and explain why it’s harmful.
Be Mindful of Media Consumption: Analyze the media you consume, including movies, TV shows, and advertisements. Critically evaluate how they portray gender roles and challenge harmful representations.
Engage in Activism: Join or support organizations and movements that work toward gender equality, such as feminist groups or gender justice initiatives. Attend rallies, protests, and events advocating for change.
Vote and Advocate for Gender-Inclusive Policies: Support policies and politicians that prioritize gender equality, reproductive rights, and women’s health.
Encourage Healthy Masculinity: Promote positive and healthy expressions of masculinity that embrace empathy, vulnerability, and emotional intelligence.
Practice Intersectionality: Recognize that gender inequality is interconnected with other forms of discrimination, such as racism, classism, and ableism. Advocate for an intersectional approach to dismantling oppressive systems.
Keep Learning and Growing: Stay open to learning and evolving in your understanding of gender issues. Be willing to adapt your views and behaviors as you gain new insights.
Remember that dismantling the patriarchy is an ongoing and collective effort. Men can be powerful allies in this struggle by using their privilege and influence to create a more equitable and inclusive society for all genders.
WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH SAY?
There is a significant body of scientific research and academic literature that supports the idea that the patriarchy has negatively impacted both society as a whole and men specifically. While it’s important to note that research findings can vary and depend on various factors such as cultural context and methodology, here are some key areas where research has identified negative impacts of the patriarchy:
Gender Inequality: Numerous studies have documented the existence of gender inequality in various aspects of society, including income disparities, access to education and healthcare, political representation, and employment opportunities. These inequalities can be attributed, at least in part, to patriarchal structures that historically favored men.
Health Outcomes: Research has shown that rigid adherence to traditional masculine norms associated with patriarchy, such as emotional stoicism and risk-taking behaviors, can have negative consequences for men’s mental health and well-being. Men may be less likely to seek help for mental health issues due to stigma, which can lead to untreated mental health problems and higher rates of suicide among men.
Violence: The patriarchal system can contribute to gender-based violence, including domestic violence and sexual harassment. Studies have explored the links between patriarchal attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate violence against women, and the negative consequences of such violence on both women and men.
Socialization and Gender Norms: Research has examined how socialization within a patriarchal framework can shape individuals’ beliefs and behaviors. For example, boys may be socialized to conform to traditional masculine norms, which can limit their emotional expression and lead to difficulties in forming healthy relationships.
Work-Life Balance: Patriarchal norms often place expectations on men to be the primary breadwinners and providers for their families. This can create stress and pressure to prioritize work over family life and personal well-being, impacting men’s work-life balance.
Political and Economic Inequity: Studies have explored the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles and the impact of this underrepresentation on policy decisions. Research has also examined how patriarchal systems can contribute to wage gaps between men and women.
Intersectionality: Research has highlighted how the impact of patriarchy is compounded when intersecting with other forms of discrimination, such as race, class, and sexual orientation. This intersectional approach helps to understand how some groups of men may experience greater or different negative effects of patriarchy than others.
It’s important to note that the negative impacts of patriarchy on men should not be equated with the systemic and pervasive discrimination and violence that women and gender minorities often experience within patriarchal systems. Rather, these negative impacts on men are part of the broader consequences of a system that enforces rigid gender roles and hierarchies.
Many scholars and activists continue to conduct research and advocate for gender equality, addressing both the negative effects of patriarchy and the benefits of dismantling it for all members of society.
Some examples of key areas that provide insight into these impacts:
Gender Inequality and Economics: “The Second Shift” by Arlie Hochschild: This book explores how gender roles and expectations shape men’s and women’s experiences in balancing work and family responsibilities.Research on the gender wage gap, such as studies by Claudia Goldin and Francine Blau, which examine disparities in pay between men and women.
Health and Well-being: “The Sturdy Oak: A Composite Study of the Men in Your Town” by Helen Harris Perlman: A classic sociological study from the mid-20th century that examines how societal expectations of masculinity impact men’s mental and emotional well-being. Research on men’s mental health and help-seeking behaviors, including studies by Michael Addis and other psychologists.
Violence and Gender-Based Violence: Research on domestic violence and intimate partner violence, such as studies by Michael P. Johnson and Richard J. Gelles. Studies on the connections between rigid masculinity norms and aggressive behavior, such as research by James O’Neil.
Socialization and Gender Norms: “The Socialization of Boys and Girls” by Eleanor Maccoby and Carol Jacklin: This influential study explores how children are socialized into gender roles from an early age. Research on the impact of traditional masculine norms on men’s emotional expression and relationships, including studies by Levant and Pollack.
Work-Life Balance: Research on the challenges men face in balancing work and family life, such as studies on work-family conflict and the division of labor at home.
Intersectionality: Kimberlé Crenshaw’s work on intersectionality, which highlights how the experiences of men are shaped by the intersections of gender, race, class, and other social identities.
Political and Economic Inequity: Studies on the underrepresentation of women in political leadership roles and its impact on policy decisions. Research on the gendered nature of labor markets and how it affects career opportunities for both men and women.
