patriarchy

//ˈpeɪ.tri.ɑːr.ki//
C1Frequency Level 12Formal
Visual representation of patriarchy

Noun

patriarchySingular
patriarchiesPlural
1

A social system or society in which men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control over property.

Many feminist scholars have criticized the patriarchy for limiting women's opportunities in society.

2

A form of social organization in which the father or eldest male is the head of the family and descent is traced through the male line.

In a patriarchy, property and family names are passed down through the male line.

patriarchy - Deep Vocabulary