“F**k the Patriarchy!”…Now What?
DISCLAIMER: This article reflects the author's individual opinions around political topics that may be triggering to some readers. MUSE acknowledges that this article is subjective and that no two people are the same. All opinion pieces published by MUSE welcome thoughtful and respectful conversation.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, patriarchy is broadly defined as “control by men of a disproportionately large share of power”. Most of us have likely heard the term used to explain, or occasionally wrongly excuse, a situation where gender oppression has occurred. For example, patriarchal norms can be seen as being responsible for the perpetuity of the claim that “women should do most of the housework”. This being said, while the definition of patriarchy seems easily comprehensible, when one proclaims “fuck the patriarchy”, who exactly is being criticized and is the blame sufficient to prompt change?
Before I attempt to answer this question, I would implore one to imagine their response to an example of gender inequity; for example, a hiring bias, where women are disproportionately rejected from a certain sector of employment on the basis of their gender. Then, as this hiring bias becomes revealed, and in an attempt to rectify this through an understanding of the problem, the natural conclusion is that patriarchal influences have instilled this assumption that men are better suited for certain jobs. In my opinion, this is accurate. Considering the patriarchy cannot be extracted from our social structure, it likely provides the historical and social context under which this bias was developed. Consequently, a “fuck the patriarchy” sentiment becomes adopted. We resign ourselves to a life of living under the patriarchy’s oppressive thumb, because how can we possibly reject a precedent that has been woven into our social structure?
I reject this. I think change is possible. However, in my opinion, asserting the status quo is bad is insufficient to prompt this change because it is without recourse. It is a mere critique, as opposed to a statement of constructive criticism which provides a solution, and a solution is necessary to changing the status quo.
In no way am I diminishing the severity of patriarchal norms, nor the importance of understanding the historical context that has shaped the modern trajectory of gender oppression. Instead, I am trying to provide a template for change where the patriarchy is acknowledged, but ultimately the specific institution bears the responsibility for their participation, or lack thereof, in sexist practices. It should also be mentioned that by “institutions”, I am referring to corporations, schools, politicians, individuals, or anything else that contributes to society. I think we can concurrently seek to eliminate the influence of the patriarchy while having a more “short term” solution that involves formal consequences for harmful actions.
If we critique gender inequities by solely blaming the patriarchy, we are inadvertently painting it as this omnipotent, abstract, almost untouchable concept and absolving modern perpetrators of sexism of their responsibility. Conversely, the patriarchy may be omnipotent; however, unless we intend to forever be influenced by these norms, we must be more specific in identifying the institutions in our society that allow for this influence to be conveyed. It is not as though the patriarchy sits through job interviews and has a say in hiring decisions; therefore, to create change we must analyze the individuals or institutions that actually do.
To me, this means acknowledging that because of patriarchal assumptions, employers may be prone to a hiring bias; however, we are aware of this tendency. So, if there is no effort by the employer to rectify this, in my opinion, that is negligent. If there are no proactive measures taken to counteract the bias, the inanimate, abstract concept of the “patriarchy” cannot be self-sustained. Something else must actively support it. Yes, each member of our society is influenced by these historical norms, but every individual can choose whether to be complicit or not. Enabling patriarchal oppression is a choice and I think those who choose to do so should be singled out in a manner that is more specific than “fuck the patriarchy”.
