Patriarchy History
Patriarchy History of Patriarchy in Political Thought
Introduction to Patriarchy History
In the 17th century some political thinkers drew a comparison between the power of the father and the power of the king. For example, English political theorist Sir Robert Filmer argued that sons were born to obey their fathers, therefore political subservience to a male authority was a natural condition. According to Filmer, all powers and authority trace back to the first man, Adam, who was granted authority by God the Father.
Filmer’s works were refuted in the late 17th century by English philosopher John Locke. Locke was an opponent of patriarchal rule. He believed that government authority comes from the people and is not the God-given right of kings. However, Locke’s theories did not extend to the home. He assumed that women were naturally and voluntarily subservient to their fathers and husbands.
In the 19th century German political economist Friedrich Engels believed that early, primitive society was a matriarchy (rule by women), where property was passed from mother to offspring. As society evolved and became more civilized, men wanted to pass on their property to their biological offspring. To do that, men had to overthrow the rule of women and establish a patriarchy.
Political thinkers of the 20th century believed patriarchy referred to a form of government that had ended in the late 17th century with the rise in the notion of individual rights and personal freedom. But that theory did not explain why sexual inequality persisted. Political thinkers continue to be challenged by that inconsistency. ” (1)
Resources
Notes and References
- Information about Patriarchy History in the Encarta Online Encyclopedia
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