Decoding Patriarchy: Barbie Movie Sparks Debate About Its Meaning

By Lucia Paula , Parent Herald Aug 03, 11:44 am

Photo: (Photo : Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Warner Bros.)

Greta Gerwig's recent film "Barbie" has taken the world by storm, breaking records with a remarkable $155 million opening at the US box office, making it the most successful directorial debut by a woman in history. However, beyond its commercial success, the movie has sparked intense discussions about the concept of patriarchy and its impact on society.

According to CNN, the storyline revolves around Barbie and Ken entering the human world, where men hold dominant positions and Ken seeks to transform Barbieland into a patriarchal society. This fictional narrative has set the stage for a real-world examination of patriarchy and its implications.

Patriarchy, derived from the Greek word "patriarkhs," literally translates to "the rule of the father." It refers to a social system in which men wield disproportionate power in various aspects of life, including social, economic, political, and religious domains. In such societies, inheritance typically follows the male line, perpetuating male privilege and authority.

Renowned American sociologist Allan Johnson defined patriarchy as a societal structure in which both men and women participate, promoting male privilege through male dominance, male identification, and male-centeredness.

Unpacking Patriarchal Societies: Characteristics and Gender Inequality

Central to this system is an obsession with control, which leads to the oppression of women. In patriarchal societies, deeply ingrained biases result in men occupying most leadership positions and controlling resources in both the public and private spheres. Women, on the other hand, are often relegated to secondary roles, considered weaker, and expected to fulfill domestic responsibilities.

The consequences of patriarchy are far-reaching and impact various aspects of life. Gender biases persist globally, with almost 9 out of 10 men and women holding biased views. In patriarchal cultures, girls may face limited access to education, early marriages, and a lack of control over their bodies and household income. The workforce often reflects gendered expectations, with women underrepresented in fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and overrepresented in caregiving roles.

Moreover, patriarchal societies perpetuate unequal pay for women, a lack of research on gender-specific health issues, and the acceptance of violence committed by men against women, such as domestic abuse and sexual harassment. The prevalence of patriarchal norms also contributes to period poverty, gender-based stereotypes about menopause, and discriminatory cultural practices.

While gender inequality is an outcome of patriarchal systems, the two terms are not synonymous. Gender inequality refers to the unequal treatment of individuals based on their gender and is a consequence of patriarchal societies' structures and norms.

Even in modern societies like the United States, patriarchal traits persist. Women are underrepresented in positions of power, including the presidency, and face gender-based disparities in areas like paid parental leave, maternal healthcare, and reproductive rights. The gender pay gap remains a persistent issue, with women earning less than their male counterparts.

Transforming Culture: Funding Women's Rights Organizations

Efforts toward gender equality have progressed unevenly, and some hard-fought gains have been lost in recent years. Struggles to protect abortion access and secure constitutional protections against sex discrimination, such as the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), continue.

However, not all societies have always adhered to patriarchal norms. Prehistoric societies displayed more varied forms of social organization, and contemporary matriarchal societies exist where lineage is passed down through the mother's line. Matrilineal communities like the Minangkabau in Indonesia and the Bribri in Costa Rica are just a few examples of societies that defy traditional patriarchal structures.

The impact of patriarchy on men is complex. While it grants certain privileges, such as societal power and authority, it also imposes limiting expectations on male behavior, leading to harmful notions of toxic masculinity.

Dismantling patriarchy requires challenging entrenched biases against women and transforming cultural norms. Advocating for women's rights, funding feminist organizations, and promoting women's empowerment are key strategies toward achieving gender equality. As the global struggle for gender parity continues, it is evident that only concerted efforts can pave the way for a more equitable future.