Patriarchy

Patriarchy definition sociology

A social system in which the father is the head of the family.
A family, community, or society based on this system or governed by men.
Dominance of a society by men, or the values that uphold such dominance.
The collection of men in positions of power, exerting such dominance.
In sociology, patriarchy is a social system in which males hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege and control of property. In the domain of the family, fathers or father-figures hold authority over women and children. Some patriarchal societies are also patrilineal, meaning that property and title are inherited by the male lineage.