Patriarchy

In this brief article, prominent feminist scholar bell hooks describes her understanding of patriarchy in U.S. social life. She describes how patriarchy is a learned behavior for people of all genders, and in how in particular men are not as invested in dismantling it, because they don’t see it as readily. hooks also notes the role that women play in supporting patriarchy, both through actively upholding normative gender roles and through complacency. She argues that women must recognize the pain that patriarchy causes men as well, who are socialized to believe dominance over woman should be a goal and that violence and denial of human connection/emotions is “normal.” Men and women uphold patriarchy; men and women are hurt by patriarchy, though in uneven ways.Though hooks is a black feminist, the text is not particularly inter sectional; it does not address racism or the role that patriarchy plays in enforcing homophobia and trans phobia.