On patriarchy

Photo by Roman Odintsov

Societal relations are a network of power dynamics which determine the economic allocation of resources and political direction of knowledge. Mired in cultural historicity they perpetuate through construction of myths and institution of realities. Lived experiences and perceptions of good life-quality are shaped by the notions of societal relations. Inequality of societal relations takes a toll on those who exist at the weaker end of the power dynamics spectrum. One of the fundamental attributes of such an inequality is patriarchy - a phenomenon signifying the gendered inequality of societal relations in which an overpowered masculine structure systematically subjugates feminine value systems. Within gendered discourses the powerplay nuances of “sex, sex category, and gender” play an important role in complicating the understanding of patriarchy-inflicted inequality and corresponding analytical and interactional frameworks. These distinctions have a particularistic way of influencing choices and limits. Social structures and control diktats are established by the underpinnings of how gender is done and produced in day-to-day situations and, assumption of sex roles.

Performance of masculinities is a vital aspect of reifying patriarchal norms. These norms are a product of generations of male-dominated structures invested in production of sexisms at the expense of female liberties and, essentialist discourses of men/women dichotomy. They form an identifiable pattern of exploitedness despite temporospatial difference of lived realities. As a consequence, oppression becomes a de facto ideal of patriarchy reinvigorating the generational cycle of its production and internalization. The pervasiveness of patriarchal existence makes it entrenched in every move of life and livelihood. This is precisely the reason why it becomes almost impossible to eradicate it completely. Social change is envisioned more on the lines of managing the symptoms of patriarchal-infliction rather than complete overturning of the structure which nests it. Any forms of resistance which fight for social justice and equity are weakened on a methodical basis with sanctioned violence. Bodies are sabotaged in the pursuit of upholding a tainted ideology - of that of patriarchy.

As much as the idea of patriarchy might sound elusive and fit only for philosophical inquiry, the manifestations are very much evident in the day-to-day affairs of conduct in society. They range from lack of representation to public shaming and discouragement from speaking to objectification of female bodies. Institutions of polity, legality, education, culture and tradition deeply embody them in their authoritative stances. Howsoever one might abhor patriarchy, chances are that one participates in it - in its subtlety if not in its entirety. The case for India is much more complex due to heterogeneity of populace - in terms of class, caste, religion, race, ethnicity, ability added to sex and gender. These intersectionalities amplify the inequalities and increase the degree of suffering in relatively disadvantaged cases more often than not. The presence of patriarchy is so extensive that to cherry pick examples becomes an exercise of extreme reductionism. Nevertheless, this article attempts to capture examples from within the social milieu of the author - based upon experiences and conversations surrounding the issue.

Female members of the family are entrusted the role of fundamental custodians of the hearth and home. All works related to house-keeping and cooking are expected to be executed by them. Tasks which involve going to spaces outside home, are the responsibilities of male members. Flourishment of this unwritten rule is a testament to how ingrained is the gendered division of labour which assumes almost a naturalistic proportion unless debated upon. The living conditions of the female members are limited not only to the extent of functioning within the precincts of the hearth and home but also to the fact that their responsibilities are unpaid - which inevitably leads to deterioration of material status and life satisfaction. This phenomenon has influenced myriad spheres of day-to-day activities. The gender pay gap in industry is one of such examples wherein the recognition of same work done is differentiated to the detriment of female workers. The idea of payment for household work is mooted in development circles which might alleviate immediate suffering of a significant number of women, but whether it will decimate the overarching patriarchal worldview or not, remains to be seen.

Rape cases have continued to proliferate unabated in India despite countless attempts by the state to curb them. The threat of rape adds to the complexity of how violence manages to silence resistance and infuse a sense of uncertainity. This enables a breeding ground for emboldening of the patriarchal norms in society. For example, through a conception of lurking threats of rape at night it is not uncommon to find parents advising their daughters to abstain from going out. Control mechanisms such as these advices reiterate the patriarchal power structure by curbing female liberty even though they might sound well-intentioned. Patriarchy has also been able to spread its tentacles beyond proximate physical spaces and find footing in digital spaces like social media in forms of cyberbullying and online abuses (including rape threats). These instances highlight the fact that there is no space which is genuinely safe for women. Thus, a complacent behaviour towards delineating certain spaces as women-friendly is hypocrisy if not a mirage.  

Given the enormity of the patriarchal challenge it might be comforting for some to give up. However, the author believes that that is akin to begin complicit in the workings of patriarchal shenanigans. For an accomplishment of egalitarian society, fighting patriarchy - be in through bargaining or systems approach, is indispensable.

References:

West, C., & Zimmerman, D. H. (1987). Doing Gender. Gender & Society, 1(2), 125–151. https://doi.org/10.1177/0891243287001002002

Kandiyoti, D. (1988). Bargaining with Patriarchy. Gender & Society, 2(3), 274–290. https://doi.org/10.1177/089124388002003004

Cornwall, A., & Lindisfarne, N. (2016). Dislocating Masculinity: Comparative Ethnographies (2nd ed.). Routledge.