ABSTRACT
Chapter critically analyses the concept and power of patriarchy and discuss the historical origin of patriarchy and difference in nature of the patriarchy across places and times. While understanding the characteristics of the patriarchal societies, the chapter delineates how the dominance of the masculinity is exercised in the male-dominated society where men exercise more control over women’s production, reproduction, body, sexuality and movement. The chapter discusses several structures of patriarchy such as family, community and state and highlights on the women’s participation in Indian politics. The chapter further highlights various types, nature and functions of the family and focuses how it has been changing with time. The role of the community is equally important to ponder on, as patriarchal communities exercise orthodox and conservative rules to ensure the status quo of the patriarchal society as against the rise or development of women. The chapter argues how in some places the issues of the right to choices, freedom and sexuality are the concern and decided by the community in the name of the honour. In such cases, examples of the honour killing and love jihad are the oppressive violent community response as against women’s freedom and their development. The state as a modern institution is expected to act as upholder of the law, and institution and judiciary ensure gender justice in the society. The chapter also explores the state–society relationship and discusses nexus between family, community and the state in exercising the patriarchal control over women.
