Gender and Power Relations
Gender and power relations continue to be at odds with each other in the post-millennium era. Critically review how we still live in a male dominated society where patriarchal power still holds the ‘key’ to the door (s) and windows of ‘freedom’, self-identity and expression. Critically engage with this statement drawing on key writers in the field of religion, ethnicity and gender relations
The most accepted definition for the term patriarchy is the social structure of society based on the father having primary responsibility for the welfare of and authority over their families. Patriarchy does not mean that all men are powerful and women are powerless, but it does indicate that the most powerful roles are held mostly by men. According to Johnson (2005) positions of authority are held by men due to their ability to exert control through threat of violence, any personal attributes and social activities linked to men, are highly regarded in society. Men serve in the highest levels in all areas of society therefore, this is crucial when examining women’s rights of equality and freedom. In patriarchal systems, women are unrepresented or underrepresented in the economic, political, military, educational and criminal justice arenas. Within these patriarchal systems, men decide the extent of freedom afforded to women; she only has the freedom he has willingly given to her. The role of the man is to provide financially and is responsible for the security of the woman and children in traditional patriarchal societies. Men can participate in the public realm through education, business and religious activities whereas, child-bearing and sex has always been the woman’s role (Sharmon, 2011, p. 161).
Gender roles define every aspect of life that includes dress, sexual expression and language. Both men and women are strongly attached to the gender roles assigned by society; socialization determines that women look best wearing a dress and men to wear trousers. Addressing issues
The most accepted definition for the term patriarchy is the social structure of society based on the father having primary responsibility for the welfare of and authority over their families. Patriarchy does not mean that all men are powerful and women are powerless, but it does indicate that the most powerful roles are held mostly by men. According to Johnson (2005) positions of authority are held by men due to their ability to exert control through threat of violence, any personal attributes and social activities linked to men, are highly regarded in society. Men serve in the highest levels in all areas of society therefore, this is crucial when examining women’s rights of equality and freedom. In patriarchal systems, women are unrepresented or underrepresented in the economic, political, military, educational and criminal justice arenas. Within these patriarchal systems, men decide the extent of freedom afforded to women; she only has the freedom he has willingly given to her. The role of the man is to provide financially and is responsible for the security of the woman and children in traditional patriarchal societies. Men can participate in the public realm through education, business and religious activities whereas, child-bearing and sex has always been the woman’s role (Sharmon, 2011, p. 161).
Gender roles define every aspect of life that includes dress, sexual expression and language. Both men and women are strongly attached to the gender roles assigned by society; socialization determines that women look best wearing a dress and men to wear trousers. Addressing issues
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