Patriarchal Structures are not in our Service

Translation from the article published at Feminismo Inc in Spanish.

Many of our societies are systems in which men hold primary power and dominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege and control of property.

These systems are called patriarchal structures. These structures shape many aspects of society, including family dynamics, economic opportunities and gender roles.

I believe they do not serve us (nor do they evidently represent us) and I would like to tell you why and what to do, while taking my hat off to Gisèle Pelicot.

What does patriarchy maintain?

I draw on the work of Sylvia Walby to share a list with you, which I hope will open your eyes:

1. Women are not allowed to occupy significant roles of power and decision-making in government and judicial structures, the entire state/country is patriarchal.
2. When gender roles place women in charge of domestic responsibilities, households are patriarchal.
3. When there is a gender pay gap (the difference between the wages received by male and female workers, calculated based on the average difference between the gross hourly earnings of all workers) and unequal opportunities for career advancement, paid work perpetuates patriarchy.
4. The use or threat of violence maintains male dominance.
5. Control over women's bodies and reproductive rights supports patriarchy.
6. Cultures whose social norms and expectations reinforce male dominance help patriarchy to persist.

This framework is reinforced by cultural norms, laws and institutional practices that perpetuate male authority and limit women's roles in both the public and private spheres.

What can we expect from the future?

There is hope, but it depends on us. While patriarchal structures have prevailed in many societies, they are neither universal nor immutable. Modern anthropologists and sociologists observe that power dynamics between genders can vary across cultures and time periods.

In the context of Gisèle Pelicot’s harrowing experience, I would now like to learn from her and move on to reflect on strategies of self-assertion and assertiveness.

Her case highlights the importance of challenging social expectations and stereotypes, particularly in situations where women are victims of abuse.

Let’s exercise our capacity for self-assertion

Gisèle decided to put her motto “it’s time for shame to change sides” into practice and has taught us a lesson in 2024 by bringing her attackers to trial in public.

1. Let’s break the silence

Gisèle’s decision to make her case public demonstrates the power of speaking out. Women can assert themselves by refusing to remain silent in the face of misconduct, harassment or discrimination.

2. Let’s get rid of shame

The term “Monsieur Tout-le-monde” (“Mr. Everybody”) (used to refer to rapists, men aged 27 to 72, from a wide range of professions) underlines how common these perpetrators were, challenging the notion that abusers have a “profile” or are easily identifiable.

Women can assert themselves by refusing to accept blame or shame for the misconduct of others, and instead placing responsibility where it belongs.

3. Solidarity and support

The public nature of this case allowed Gisèle to receive widespread support.

Women can seek out and create networks of support, amplifying the voices and experiences of others.

4. Let’s challenge normalisation

The concept of “Mr. Everybody” reveals how deeply rooted and widespread certain behaviours can be. When something happens, it is often described as “statistically normal” rather than correct or acceptable.

Women can assert ourselves by questioning and challenging practices that normalise inappropriate behaviour or power imbalances.

5. Reclaiming autonomy

Gisele’s participation in the legal process demonstrates the role she wants to play in her life and in the narrative of what has happened to her.

In our lives, this can translate into setting clear boundaries, standing up for ourselves and making decisions that prioritise wellbeing and our personal and professional goals.

6. Exposing systemic issues

This case revealed widespread complicity and societal failures.

Women can assert ourselves by identifying and exposing systemic issues that perpetuate inequality or harmful practices.

If we focus on Gisèle's strength and bravery in standing up to her abusers and making her story public, we can draw important lessons about resilience, the importance of speaking truth to those in power, and the need for societal change in the way we view and treat victims of abuse.

I wish you all a very happy 2025.