Patriarchy

Definition

Patriarchy is a social system in which men hold primary power, dominating roles in political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property. This system often leads to the marginalization and subordination of women, influencing societal norms and values. It shapes the ways women are represented and treated in literature and society, particularly during the medieval period, when their roles were often confined to the domestic sphere.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In medieval society, patriarchy often dictated that women were expected to fulfill roles as wives and mothers, limiting their access to education and public life.
2. Literary works from the medieval period frequently reflect patriarchal values, portraying women in roles that emphasize their subservience or moral purity.
3. Christine de Pizan challenged patriarchal norms through her writings, advocating for women's rights and education in a male-dominated literary landscape.
4. Margery Kempe's autobiographical work reveals her struggles within a patriarchal society, as she sought spiritual authority and autonomy despite societal constraints.
5. Patriarchy has historically influenced religious practices and institutions, often placing men in positions of spiritual leadership while sidelining women's contributions.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of patriarchy shape women's roles in medieval literature and society?
  • Patriarchy established a framework where women were often viewed primarily as wives and mothers, limiting their participation in public life and access to education. This was reflected in medieval literature where female characters frequently embodied ideals of virtue or obedience, reinforcing societal expectations. As a result, women's voices and experiences were often marginalized or overlooked in both literary narratives and societal structures.
• In what ways did Christine de Pizan's writings serve as a response to the patriarchal norms of her time?
  • Christine de Pizan's works actively challenged the patriarchal norms prevalent in medieval society by advocating for women's education and intellectual capabilities. In her writings, she highlighted the achievements of historical women and argued for their rightful place in literature and society. By presenting a counter-narrative to the traditional depictions of women as inferior, de Pizan sought to empower women and promote gender equality within a predominantly male literary tradition.
• Evaluate how Margery Kempe's experiences illustrate the tensions between personal autonomy and societal expectations within a patriarchal framework.
  • Margery Kempe's autobiography highlights her quest for spiritual authority amidst a patriarchal society that constrained women's roles. Despite societal expectations to conform to domestic duties, Kempe asserted her individuality by expressing her religious experiences and visions. This tension reflects the broader struggle many women faced during this time: the desire for personal autonomy clashing with rigid social norms that sought to restrict their agency. Her narrative underscores the complexities of navigating faith and identity within a deeply entrenched patriarchal system.

Related terms

Matriarchy: A social system in which women hold primary power, often seen as the opposite of patriarchy.

Gender Roles: Societal norms dictating the behaviors and responsibilities typically associated with being male or female.

Feminism: A movement aimed at establishing and defending equal political, economic, and social rights for women.