Relating to or characteristic of a society or system dominated by men; a form of government or social structure in which men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property. It often involves the marginalization or subjugation of women and other genders. Androcracy can manifest in various ways, from overt legal restrictions to subtle forms of social and cultural bias, ensuring male dominance.
Androcratic meaning with examples
- The historical study examined how androcratic societies often coded female roles, emphasizing domesticity and motherhood while excluding women from political and economic spheres. Such a system solidified male power through tradition, religion, and legal systems, with women having few opportunities to change this environment.
- Many scholars argue that certain interpretations of ancient mythology and religious texts helped to construct and maintain androcratic structures in many early civilizations. These narratives often portray men as active, powerful figures while women are passive or subordinate, which in turn sets a precedent for society’s behaviors.
- The rise of modern feminism brought to light the pervasiveness of androcratic systems in many aspects of life, from wage inequality to representation in media and politics. Feminist critique aims to deconstruct the biases and advocate for gender equality by analyzing how power dynamics operate.
- Even in countries with laws that protect gender equality, hidden forms of androcratic tendencies may persist through cultural norms and institutional practices. It remains a complex task to challenge these deeply rooted patterns of societal behavior and ensure equal opportunities for all.