Define the following terms: patriarchy

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The Answer is 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. This concept is based on the idea that male members of a society are predisposed to hold positions of power.

The term patriarchy also implies the institutionalization of male dominance over women and children in the family and the extension of male dominance over women in society in general. It often manifests in social, legal, political, religious, and economic organization of a range of different cultures. Patriarchy has been a prevalent feature in the formation and ongoing development of most societies, though its prominence has varied significantly over time and between different cultures.

In a patriarchal society, the male perspective is seen as the default, and male-centered norms operate throughout social and cultural institutions. Feminist theory uses the term patriarchy to describe the power relationship between men and women as well as to critique the imbalance of power between the sexes.

It's important to note that the concept of patriarchy is not without its critics. Some argue that the term is too broad or oversimplifies complex social phenomena. Others believe that while patriarchy has been a dominant form of social organization, it is not a universal feature of human society and that there have been many forms of matriarchal and egalitarian societies throughout history. Despite these criticisms, patriarchy remains a widely used concept in the analysis of gender relations and feminist theory.

Define the Following Terms: Patriarchy