Male dominance

Male dominance, also known as patriarchy, is a social system in which men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege and control of property. In the domain of the family, fathers or father-figures hold authority over women and children. Some patriarchal societies are also patrilineal, meaning that property and title are inherited by the male lineage.

History

Historically, the principle of male dominance has been central to social organization across diverse cultures. This is evident in the societal norms and laws of ancient civilizations such as Roman, Greek, and Egyptian societies. The concept of male dominance is also prevalent in many religious texts, including the Bible and the Quran, which have influenced societal structures and gender roles.

Sociology

From a sociological perspective, male dominance is often discussed in relation to gender roles and socialization. Gender roles are the societal norms that dictate the types of behaviors which are generally considered acceptable, appropriate, or desirable for people based on their actual or perceived sex. These roles are learned through socialization processes and are reinforced by societal structures such as education, mass media, and family.

Psychology

In psychology, theories such as Freud's psychoanalytic theory have been used to explain male dominance. Freud suggested that the male child experiences a fear of castration from his father, which leads him to identify with his father and adopt his characteristics and behaviors.

Criticism and Opposition

Feminist theory opposes male dominance, arguing that it is not biologically inherent but socially constructed. Feminists argue for the dismantling of the patriarchal system and advocate for equality between genders. The Women's Rights Movement has been instrumental in challenging and changing laws and societal norms that uphold male dominance.

See Also

• Patriarchy
• Gender role
• Feminism
• Women's Rights Movement