ABSTRACT
This chapter proposes that any understanding must include an appreciation of the positive benefits to women of the discarded system, which have been overlooked. A complicating factor is that the short-term sexual interests of young women are at variance with those of older. This contradiction helps to obscure the benefits of patriarchy. Post-patriarchal man is a different animal, who may be more fun to be with but who lacks the redeeming moral features. As time takes its toll, and children multiply their material and personal needs, the security which patriarchal marriage offers may take on greater importance, rendering it a good deal or investment. Men and women meet in the sexual marketplace with very different personal needs. Men's interest in sex is much more quickly-satisfied and physical. The language of male volition and control means that men become identified very publicly with patriarchal rules.
