Towards a Definition of Patriarchy

Author: Heidi Hartmann
Text Source: OPR
Year: 2004
Pgs: 143-147

MAIN POINTS and ARGUMENT:

Hartmann's article examined the different levels of patriarchy and how it is organized. Men, dispite racial or class differences, control women by banding togeather. They are able to control women's resources and sexuality at home and in the work place through our society and traditions. This theory is called the sex/gender system which is "the set of arrangements by which a society transforms biological sexuality into products of human activity, and in which these transformed sexual needs are satisfied". (pg 144) Meaning that this system difines the roles of men and women for generations.

WHAT ARE THE CONCERNS OF THIS AUTHOR?
Patriarchy has existed in many cultures and political systems for a long time. Can we even recognize the different forms and influences of patriarchy in our lives?

WHY ARE THESE ISSUES IMPORTANT TO A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SYSTEMS AND STRUCTURES OF OPRESSION, POWER, PRIVILEGE, AND RESISTANCE?
Understanding the complexity of patriarchy is one of the keys to solving it. As a woman, I want the same opportunities and treatment as men.

HOW DO YOU POSITION TO THIS ARTICLE? ARE THERE THREADS OF THIS PIECE THAT 'SPEAK' IN FAMILIAR WAYS TO ISSUES, EXPERIENCES, MEMORIES, IN YOUR OWN LIFE? EXPLAIN.
One of my family's flaws is that they take part in patriarchy. My grandparents favored their sons over their daughters. My mom told me stories how her brothers were punished less when they misbehaved, how my grandparents bought them their first cars, and how they recieved better treatment. When my grandparents wrote out their will, they made sure that my uncles had more land then my mom and my aunts because my grandpa explained to me that "they're boys".

HOW ARE THERE SIMILARITIES AND DIFFFERENCES BETWEEN THE GROUP/ INDIVIDUALS UNDER DISCUSSION AND OTHER MINORITIZED / OPPRESSED GROUPS?
I believe that partriarchy exists in all class systems and societies across the glob, especially in the family institution.

DO YOU AGREE WITH THE MAIN ARGUMENTS MADE? WHY? WHY NOT?
I agree with the main arguments made because the differential treatment of men from women is appparent in most institutions and settings. Today, men make more money then women. Also men and women have different roles in our society.