Free Sociology resources

Patriarchy refers to male dominance in a relationship, whereby men control and dominate the relationship. This is a feminist perspective which sees how the family is a repressive institution for females, preventing them from reaching their full potential. Greer (a radical feminist) would see women entering into relationships with men as ‘sleeping with the enemy’ as the family unit is designed for patriarchal control. Therefore, it is argued that women can only be free from patriarchy if they subscribe to alternative living arrangements like a sexual apartheid and practicing instrumental lesbianism.