Patriarchy

noun

/ˈpeɪ.tri.ɑː.ki/

A social system in which men hold primary authority and dominance in political leadership, moral authority, property ownership, and family roles, with power and privilege largely passed through the male line.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

Genuine gender justice requires more than reservation of seats in legislatures; it demands dismantling the entrenched patriarchy that confines women to unpaid domestic labour and excludes them from inheritance, credit and public decision-making.

Synonyms

male dominanceandrocracypatriarchal ordermale hegemonyphallocracy

Antonyms

matriarchygynarchyegalitarianismgender parity

🌱 Word Family

patriarch (n), patriarchal (adj), patriarchally (adv), matriarchy (n), patriarchate (n)

🔡 Root

Greek patria = lineage, clan; arkhē = rule, governance → patriárkhēs = patriarch; via Latin patriarchia

📜 Etymology

From Latin patriarchia, from Greek patriarkhía, from patriárkhēs ("patriarch"), combining patria ("lineage, clan") + arkhē ("rule, governance"); earliest English usage dates to the mid-16th century.

🧠 Memory Hook

"Patri-" = father (as in paternal) + "-archy" = rule (as in monarchy): literally "rule of the father" — fathers at the head of every household and institution.

📝 Seen in UPSC Question Papers

Mains 2014 · GS1 · 10 marks — Indian Society

Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Patriarchy” — proof this word earns its place on your list.

⚖️ Social Justice 📖 Seen in: Gender Issues, Women Empowerment & Soc...

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