Angela Saini, author of 'The Patriarchs, How Men Came to Rule', joins the discussion to explore the origins of patriarchy and debunk assumptions of male dominance. They discuss the progression of patriarchy, the nature of oppression, gender roles in different societies, and the power of belief in conspiracy theories.
The patriarchy is not solely based on physical strength but is shaped by alliances, negotiation, and social variation.
Patriarchy is an evolving invention influenced by early states, population control, division of labor, and religious beliefs.
Tradition and cultural beliefs play a significant role in perpetuating patriarchal systems, highlighting the need to challenge and reimagine customs for a more equitable society.
Deep dives
The Invention of the Patriarchy
The podcast explores the roots and origins of the patriarchy and why men historically seem to have ruled the world. The episode challenges the assumption that physical strength is the basis for male domination and highlights the social variation and egalitarian societies found throughout history. It discusses the emergence of the patriarchy with the establishment of early states and the need for population control and loyalty. The episode also explores the influence of religion, cultural traditions, and societal norms in perpetuating patriarchal systems. It emphasizes the importance of questioning and understanding the origins of these systems in order to strive for gender equality and a more inclusive society.
The Complexity of Gender Roles
The podcast delves into the complexity of gender roles, debunking the myth that men's physical strength is the sole explanation for male domination. It discusses the importance of alliances, networks, and negotiation in establishing power structures, both among humans and in other primate societies. The episode highlights the existence of matrilineal societies and challenges the notion that patriarchy has always been the norm. It emphasizes that gender roles and systems are inventions that have evolved over time, shaped by various factors such as geography, cultural traditions, and societal values.
The Role of Early States in Shaping Patriarchal Systems
The podcast explores how the emergence of early states and empires influenced the development of patriarchal systems. It discusses the focus on population control and the division of labor based on gender roles, with women being expected to bear many children and men being assigned the role of defenders. The episode highlights the narrowing of gender roles and the codification of family structures and loyalty to the state. It explains that patriarchy is an invention that has evolved and been refined over time, becoming deeply embedded in religious beliefs, customs, and societal norms.
The Influence of Tradition and Cultural Beliefs
The podcast examines the influence of tradition and cultural beliefs in perpetuating patriarchal systems. It highlights how ideas and customs such as taking a husband's name or gendered division of labor have deep historical roots and are often based on hierarchical structures found in slavery and other historical practices. The episode emphasizes that challenging and reimagining these customs is crucial in creating a more equitable and inclusive society. It also encourages understanding the linkages between patriarchy, class, race, and capitalism to address multiple forms of oppression.
Promoting Change and Optimism
The podcast emphasizes the importance of questioning, understanding, and challenging patriarchal systems in order to strive for gender equality and social change. It encourages individuals to reimagine the world and consider alternative ways of existing. The episode acknowledges that dismantling patriarchy is a complex process, as it is deeply intertwined with various aspects of our lives and cultural identities. However, it inspires optimism and hope by highlighting the power of history in reshaping our perceptions, encouraging equality, and envisioning a society where everyone is valued and oppression is eradicated.
Was it chest-thumping primate ancestors? Was it spear-wielding hunter gatherers? Was it at dawn of agriculture and the creation of property? Or was it something more subtle?
These are the questions that Angela Saini has set out to answer in her new book The Patriarchs: How Men Came to Rule. She and Dallas talk through the mother of all origin stories.
Edited by Tom Delargy, Produced by Freddy Chick, Senior Producer is Charlotte Long
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