The Patriarchs by Angela Saini
How Men Came to Rule
Patriarchy, a system where men hold primary power and dominate in roles of political leadership, social privilege, and authority, has long been considered a universal and inherent part of human society. However, Angela Saini’s fascinating book, “The Patriarchs” challenges his notion by delving into the origins of patriarchy and its profound impact on human society.
“The norms that a society follows are constructed, they are built.
Women’s rights and freedoms weren’t missing in deep time. Just like the present, they had to have been destroyed.”
Saini explores the many factors that have contributed to the rise of patriarchy, including the development of agriculture, the growth of urbanization, and the rise of organised religion. Patriarchy, she argues, isn’t an inherent aspect of human society but rather a cultural construct that has evolved over time, influenced by historical, social, and economic factors.
Challenging the Universality of Patriarchy
It is commonly believed that patriarchy is universal, but this is not the case. Saini illustrates that there are societies that are more equal and have existed in various parts of the world, both past and present. Examples include the Nair community in Kerala, India, the Haudenosaunee (traditional Iroquois) women in North America, and African communities where women held significant political power. While men typically hold authority in China, the Musuo ethnic group in Southwest China is an exception, as women make the majority of significant decisions, manage household finances, have the rightful ownership of land and houses, and have full rights to their children.
Matrilinear and matrilocal societies are societies where descent is traced through the female line and property is often inherited in the same way. They are not as rare as we might think and are very much a part of human history and society. There is a difference between matrilineal and matriarchal societies; matrilineal societies trace descent and inheritance through the mother’s line, while matriarchal societies are characterised by women holding positions of power and authority. Matrilineal societies can exist without being matriarchal, and vice versa.
As one might expect, the idea that patriarchy is not a universal and natural phenomenon, has not been easily accepted. Matrilineal societies have not escaped challenges and obstacles, including marginalisation, patriarchal influence, limited political power, gender-based violence, and misconceptions. Nonetheless, these societies have influenced modern feminist movements in several ways. By providing alternative models of family and community structures, they inspired feminist movements to explore alternative models of gender and power dynamics.
Patriarchal Systems and Intersectionality
By focusing on the diversity of patriarchal systems, and the complex ways in which it intersects with other forms of inequality, such as racism and colonialism, Angela Saini challenges simplistic generalisations about patriarchy. She shows how the impact of patriarchy can impact women’s rights across different regions, emphasising the need for different strategies to challenge and change the patriarchal systems. It is important to understand that feminism is not a movement solely for women. Men are still the prime beneficiaries of gender inequality. By participating in feminist movements and activities, they recognise women’s rights are basic social rights and part of a larger social justice movement. In her recent book, ‘Why Feminism is Good for Men’, Dutch activist Jens van Tricht argues that feminism is not just about improving the position and status of women, but also about liberating men from the social norms that hold them back. Feminism can inspire men to pursue more cooperative and equal relationships and friendships, greater sharing of work responsibilities, and initiatives to reduce organised and individual violence.
“The qualities the define as “masculine” and “feminine” are shaped by social and cultural forces.”
The Patriarchs is an ambitious book. Saini shows that patriarchy is not inevitable, but rather a social construct that can be reshaped, reworked and reinforced. Women have challenged and resisted patriarchy throughout history and will continue to do so. The seeds for resistance and transformation are in our voices.