Patriarchal

/ˌpeɪtriˈɑːrkl/

adjective

Relating to a system where men hold the power and women are mostly excluded.

In many traditional societies, families are organized in a patriarchal structure.

Definition 1 of 3

Pro Tip 1/3

Understand 'patriarchal' as describing situations where gender impacts who controls decisions or influence.

The CEO's patriarchal leadership sidelined female executives from major decisions.

Pro Tip 2/3

'Patriarchal' can imply outdated views in modern contexts, signaling a need for more equality.

The patriarchal policies at the workplace sparked public demand for reforms.

Pro Tip 3/3

'Patriarchal' often carries a critical tone, especially in discussions about social change and gender equality.

Activists are pushing back against the company's patriarchal culture.

authoritarianchauvinisticconservativedominatrixfatherhierarchalmasculinetraditional

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