Patriarchy
A social system in which men hold primary power
Real World Example
In the Ancient Middle East and Egypt between 3200 BC and 500 BC, patriarchy meant that men were the primary leaders in society, holding power in government, religion, and family life. This system helped organize societies where men typically managed public affairs and women often managed the home, reflecting the division of labor based on physical roles and responsibilities at the time. Patriarchy helped maintain order and structure in these civilizations but also limited women's rights and opportunities. Today, patriarchy still influences many aspects of life, such as wage gaps between men and women and leadership representation in business and politics. For example, a woman working the same job as a man might earn less money, showing how patriarchal ideas can still impact fairness and equality in our daily lives.
