By most sociological definitions of the term "patriarchy," the United States is considered a patriarchy, due to the fact that women do not predominate in positions of power, whether you look at political or economic venues. Although opportunities exist for women at the individual level that did not exist forty years ago, the upper echelons of U.S. society still remain largely closed to women due to structural, supply-side and demand-side factors
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There is debate about that... some anthropologists claim that prior to the advent of capitalism, some non-patriarchal societies existed (probably the most famous is located in Margaret Mead's research). Others claim there has never been a non-patriarchal society yet.
Oh, I am fairly convinced from my own anthro background that there have been non-patriarchal societies. I am asking about contemporary societies, since there is enough variation in gender relations throughout the world that I am wondering about the usefulness of calling it all patriarchy. Also, if the US is a patriarchy, what contemporary country demonstrates not-patriarchy?
I think more than just looking at women's positions in society (though that is certainly part of it), you have to look at value systems. For me, patriarchy is not just about privileging men, it's about privileging maleness. So if you have women succeeding by acting more traditionally masculine, that's better than women having to power, but it doesn't negate patriarchy.
And, yes. The US is less sexist and racist than some other places, but that doesn't make it not sexist and racist.
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And, yes. The US is less sexist and racist than some other places, but that doesn't make it not sexist and racist.
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