Sylvia walbys six structures of patriarchy

Question 1

in her influential work “ theorising patriarchy “ a prominent sociologist and feminist identified six distinct interrelated structures through which

Answer 1

patriarchy operates and perpetuates gender inequality across the public and private spheres

Question 2

the household
walby empahsises the role of the household as a site of patriarchal control

Answer 2

within the domestic sphere women are responsible for unpaid domestic labour such as cooking and cleaning.
this labour is undervalued and contributes to women’s economic dependence on men.
this traditional family structure reinforces male authority and limits women’s opportunities for economic and social independence.

Question 3

paid work
in the realm of paid employment walby identifies occupational segregation and the gender pay gap as key aspects of patriarchy

Answer 3

women are often concentrated in lower paying , less secure jobs and face barriers to advancement in male dominated fields.
this economic inequality is perpetuated by discriminatory practices and societal expectations that prioritise mens careers over women’s.

Question 4

the state
walby highlights the states role in maintaining patriarchal structures through laws, policies and institutions that reflect and reinforce male interests.

Answer 4

historically , legal systems have granted men greater rights and privileges such as property ownership and modern legal frameworks often fail to adequately protect women from gender based violence and discrimination perpetuating their marginalisation.

Question 5

violence
gender based violence including domestic abuse , sexual assault and harassment is a critical mechanism of patriarchal control.

Answer 5

walby argues that violence against women serves to instill fear and maintain male dominance.
societal norms that condone or minimise such violence further entrench gender inequality making it difficult for women to escape abusive situations and assert their autonomy.

Question 6

sexuality
walby examines how patriarchal norms shape and control women’s sexuality.

Answer 6

women are expected to be submissive objects for male pleasure rather than having their own sexual autonomy.
this male control extends to reproductive rights , with restrictions on access to contraception and abortion serving to limit women’s autonomy over their bodies.
by controlling women’s sexuality patriarchy enforces traditional gender roles and norms

Question 7

cultural institutions
including media , education and religion play a significant role in perpetuating patriarchal values and norms.

Answer 7

walby points out that these institutions often propagate stereotypical images of women and men reinforcing traditional gender roles.
for instance media representations frequently depict women in passive or subordinate roles , while educational materials may ignore or diminish women’s contributions to society.
religious doctrines can also promote patriarchal family structures and gender norms.