The definition of patriarchy is still part of the fight for equality for women in society. The term seems outdated, but it is still relevant today.
The definition of patriarchy is still an issue today
The sexes have always fought over who has supremacy. It is not clear when exactly patriarchy came into being. There is also no clear definition of the term. In various social theories it is understood as a system based on paternal rights.
- All relationships, values, behavioral patterns and norms are dominated by the father or the men. They rule, even over the women. Men, on the other hand, work with men on an equal footing, supporting and encouraging them.
- The Romans also knew the concept of patriarchy. They recognized the Jewish patriarchy, for example. A man was considered the head of the Jewish community.
- The ancient Greeks also understood the term “patriarchy” and were familiar with the social structure behind it. Here, too, it meant a society based on paternal rule.
- The sociologist and legal scholar Max Weber, on the other hand, saw patriarchy as a special form of legitimate rule. However, this had no legal or logical claim, as it was based on tradition and traditional master power and its order.
- The feminist definition of the term extends patriarchy beyond father rule. Not only fathers are responsible for society's actions, but also husbands, brothers, superiors and all men who have power over people in their positions.
The history of patriarchy in Germany
The history of patriarchy is not really a relic of the past. Its origins date back almost to the beginning of humanity. However, the term has appeared in various cultures.
- In the oldest Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, the Septuagint, the word patriarch appears and means patriarch.
- In the Middle Ages, this became the rule of men. They were considered the head of the family, but also of their professional lives. Women were responsible for the children and the home, but were completely dependent on their husband's income.
- The paragraph of the Civil Code of 1896, which stated that the man was the head of the family, dates back to the imperial era. Paragraph 1354 of the Civil Code of 1896 literally stated: “The man has the right to decide in all matters concerning joint, married life. In particular, he determines the place of residence and apartment.” For example, a woman was not allowed to open a bank account, to work, and her husband could even take away her apartment key.
- The Weimar Republic is considered to be the time of the first attempts at women's emancipation in Germany. For example, women were allowed to vote and develop new ways of looking at fashion and clothing.
- Former Chancellor Konrad Adenauer issued a change to civil law in 1957. It stipulated that men and women should be treated equally. From that point on, women were allowed to work, but men retained their right of consent. Women were given the right to obtain a driving license in 1958.
- In fact, it was not until 1977 that the German constitution declared that a woman could work as long as she did not neglect her family responsibilities. The law also stated that men should help in the household on an equal basis.
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