Patriarchy (noun)

1. A social system in which the male is the primary authority figure central to social organization and the central roles of political leadership, moral authority, and control of property are monopolized by men.
2. A society or community organized on patriarchal lines.
3. The holding of power and the father figure in a family.

Origin:

Late 16th century: from late latin patriarchia, from greek patriarcheia, from patriarkhēs (see patriarch). the original sense was 'office of a patriarch', later 'rule of a patriarch', hence 'domination of men in a society'.

Examples:

1. The patriarchy has been the dominant form of society for centuries.
2. Feminists are fighting against the patriarchal values of society.
3. The patriarchal family structure is where the father is considered the head of the household.
4. The patriarchy has historically controlled the distribution of wealth and power.
5. In many cultures, the patriarchy is seen as the natural order of society.