Is the United States a patriarchal society?
No. It may have been at one time (well, it WAS at one time) but it no longer is. I would argue that it is an egalitarian society with lingering partriarchal traditions — traditions such as to take the man’s name in marriage. But even these traditions are not enforced, so it is still an option for the individual to follow these patriarchal customs or not. The reason we are no longer a patriarchy is because: 1)women can and are encouraged to work and/or work in the same jobs that were traditionally male dominated 2) women have all the same equal rights as an individual as a male 3) she does not lose said individual rights once married 4) division of property does not automatically go to the male but is instead decided between the couple 5) Marriage is (usually) something decided between the couple and not chosen by the parents or the male 6) divorce can be started by either gender 7) females are allowed into high ranking positions and/or can run for said positions The problem is not nec
Yes; very so. There have been legislative reforms especially during the past 30 years; but the wider mentality is still very patriarchal. As you may note in many of the questions and answers on this site; many men (and some patriarchy sucking women) would take away those legislative reforms if they could and in informal ways continue to denigrate and belittle women who advocate for personal autonomy. Edit: I’m adding a link below where the characteristics of a patriarchal society are set out (not US) – read through and you’ll be soon be able to find evidence of many of the same characteristics (to a lesser degree; or under challenge at least) in the US and most other places. Just think about which sex occupies most positions of power in industry and in politics (ie: most higher positions of control over society’s resources) and the way that patriarchal men behave when they perceive their authority as threatened (for example, increased violence against women and/or calls for suppression
No it isn’t. By definition a patriarchal society is comprised of families headed by men. The heading of families continues through to male heading of government and institutions. I’d consider our society to actually be closer to a matriarchal society since families are now headed by women. That is, a man’s role in his family and with his children is defined by the woman and the government acts to enforce her definition in terms of the man’s involvement and degree of responsibility. In a patriarchal society, the woman’s role in the family is defined by the man. There are limits, but they’re so generous that women are clearly in charge when it comes to heading a family. Women may be outnumbered by men in government, but most legislation passed today is legislation to support women’s interests and fund female-specific programs. If you disagree, please indicate some male-specific programs or legislation that supports men in particular.
