Agency Dictionary

patriarchal

adjectivePronunciation: /ˌpeɪ.triˈɑːr.kəl/

In Portuguese: patriarcal

Society & Politics

What does “patriarchal” mean?

Of or relating to a social system in which men hold primary authority, especially over women and children. In the article, the patriarchal system of the Shogunate is the force that pushed women to the psychological limits symbolized by the Hannya mask.

Etymology

From Greek patriarkhes, from pater (father) and arkhein (to rule). Describes a system in which authority and privilege rest predominantly with men.

Usage examples

it carries a deep heritage of the patriarchal oppression and suppression that women faced back then
Archetype.1 - Hannya

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Archetype.1 - HannyaJanuary 1, 2025Read the edition

Words of the same theme

Stigmanoun: A mark of social disgrace, shame, or prejudice associated with a particular circumstance, trait, or behavior.
collective consciousnessnoun: The set of beliefs, ideas and feelings shared by the members of a society, which exists beyond any single person. By extension, what a community knows and repeats in common.
Agoranoun: A public open space in ancient Greek cities used for assemblies, commercial markets, and philosophical dialogue.
Allegiancenoun: Loyalty, commitment, or devoted obligation felt by an individual toward a nation, cause, sovereign, or athletic club. It creates emotional cohesion and enduring solidarity across social communities.
baronnoun: A member of the aristocracy, or an influential magnate exercising commanding power in a specific industry.
Benefactornoun: A person who supports, protects, or assists another individual through resources, rank, or mentorship.
Clausenoun: A distinct article or stipulation in a formal treaty, bill, or legal contract addressing a specific condition or obligation.
Corporativismnoun: The defence of the interests of a business class or professional group above the general interest, and the culture built around it. The word also names a political and economic system organized through corporations of employers, workers and professions.
Demagoguenoun: A political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than rational argument.
dystopianoun: An imagined state or society characterized by pervasive human suffering, totalitarian rule, or ecological ruin.
Extensionnoun: An educational program or institutional initiative that extends university resources, research, and expertise to the broader community.
honestioresnoun: The higher-ranking social class in the high Roman Empire that enjoyed privileged legal treatment, lighter criminal sentences, and exemption from torture.

Also from these editions: terms

shogunatenoun: A feudal military dictatorship in Japan, headed by a shogun, in which loyalty and honour were central to its operation. The system was exclusive to Japan and did not exist in other Asian nations.
samurainoun: A member of the warrior class of feudal Japan, bound by codes of loyalty and honour, who served under the shogunate system. In the article, the samurai class is one of the two groups with access to Noh theatre.
Byproductnoun: A secondary, often unexpected result or incidental creation derived from an ongoing process or effort.
Storytellingnoun: The art, craft, or practice of conveying narratives, experiences, and insights to engage an audience.
Symbolnoun: A mark, sign, character, or visual emblem used as a conventional representation of an object, function, concept, or abstract idea.
katananoun: A Japanese single-edged sword with a curved blade, traditionally carried by samurai. In the article, the subject of the classified report carries an encased katana sword.
vengeful spiritnoun: A spirit driven by a desire for revenge, often depicted as a supernatural force that returns from the afterlife to right a wrong or punish the living. In Japanese Noh theatre, the Hannya mask portrays such a spirit: a woman consumed by sorrow and rage to the point of transforming into a demon.
feudaladjective: Of or relating to a political system in which lords grant land to vassals in exchange for military service and loyalty. In the article, feudal describes the Japan of the Shogunate period, where rigid class hierarchies, economic exploitation and political suppression defined everyday life.
Mahayananoun: One of the two major traditions of Buddhism, characterized by the ideal of the bodhisattva who seeks enlightenment for all beings. In the article, Mahayana Buddhism is the tradition to which the Heart Sutra belongs.