Patriarchate (noun)

A system of governance or administration in which a patriarch or male head of a family or community holds authority.

Origin:

Derived from the greek word 'patriarkhia', meaning 'rule of the father'.

Examples:

1. In many traditional societies, the patriarchate is the dominant form of governance, with power and authority resting with the oldest male member of the family.
2. Critics of the patriarchal system argue that it perpetuates gender inequality and discrimination against women.
3. The patriarchate has been challenged and eroded in many societies in recent decades, with greater equality and representation for women in government and other areas of public life.
4. Despite this progress, however, patriarchal attitudes and values still persist in many parts of the world.
5. The patriarchate is often intertwined with other forms of oppression, such as racism, classism, and imperialism, and requires a comprehensive and intersectional approach to be dismantled.