Patriarchal Structures Research Articles

Domestic Violence Against Women in Nepal

Violence, as defined by the WHO, is a pervasive issue globally, with the intentional use of force leading to harm, injuries, or death. In Nepal, gender-based violence is significant, affecting domestic settings and leading to societal acceptance of violence against women. A systemic issue, violence is often underreported due to cultural norms and societal expectations. The prevalence of domestic violence underscores the need for a comprehensive framework to combat this issue, emphasizing the role of patriarchy in perpetuating violence against women. Statistics indicate high levels of violence against women, stemming from deep-rooted patriarchal beliefs that reinforce male dominance and women’s subordination. The research focuses on exploring domestic violence in the Madhesh region, delving into the physical manifestations of violence against women. A critical analysis of theoretical frameworks, particularly patriarchy, reveals how societal norms shape unequal gender relations and perpetuate violence, hindering women’s autonomy. By addressing patriarchal structures and promoting gender equality, efforts can be made to combat domestic violence and create a safer environment for all individuals.

“An inner core feeling”?: Nationalism, Western capitalism, and Bengali women's class‐based mothering ideologies

AbstractObjectiveWe analyze motherhood identities among middle‐ and working‐class women in urban Bengal.BackgroundWesternized societies encourage women to pursue careers and childrearing. Researchers examine this tension in diverse Western contexts and the Indian middle class. We add to existing work by comparing Indian women's motherhood ideologies across social class.MethodsWe use in‐depth qualitative interviews with mothers in structured (i.e., middle‐class) and unstructured (i.e., working‐class) economic sectors.ResultsEconomically privileged mothers diminished the importance of paid work and emphasized Western mothering strategies. Mothers in unstructured sectors drew on nation‐building rhetoric to construct socially valued mothering identities.ConclusionsMainstream mothering approaches (i.e., popular images of childrearing by upper‐class women) benefit patriarchal capitalist social structures by encouraging women to work for pay and take primary responsibility for home and family. Mothers' social class and status positions in historical and societal context(s) influence the tools (i.e., forms of capital) they have available to parent their children and construct valued mothering identities.ImplicationsStrategies marginalized mothers use to construct mothering identities when faced with dominant exclusionary narratives of a “good mother” can be understood and used strategically. Embracing ideologies that allow women to maintain integrity in the face of stigmatization has transformative potential for policymaking and service provision.

Caste Narratives in Grassroots Politics: A Comparative Study of Shimla and Kangra Districts of Himachal Pradesh

In modern India, despite numerous efforts to reduce caste disparities, the caste system continues to significantly influence political dynamics. This study explores the role of caste in the political landscape of Himachal Pradesh, with a specific focus on the electoral politics of Shimla and Kangra districts. Primary data was collected through structured interviews with residents of these districts. The findings reveal that caste continues to play a pivotal role in village society’s political life, even as measures to empower Scheduled Castes through political representation, shared decision-making, and power redistribution have been implemented. Traditional societal norms often dictate outcomes, with older generations, those at the top of the social hierarchy, and patriarchal structures maintaining dominance within the power dynamics of rural areas. The findings highlight the need for voter education that prioritizes developmental concerns over traditional caste- and religion-based considerations. By addressing these issues, it is possible to bridge generational divides and foster a more inclusive and progressive political discourse, ultimately strengthening democratic practices in rural Himachal Pradesh.

Gender, land grabbing and agrarian livelihoods: contradictory gendered outcomes of land transactions in Ghana

ABSTRACT Based on a multi-method research design that employs a triangulation of fieldwork data, including focus group discussions (n = 35) and key informant interviews (n = 5), this paper examines the intervening role of gender in the differentiated distribution of harms and benefits from large-scale land acquisitions (LSLAs). Employing Feminist Political Ecology (FPE) as the analytical framework, this study examines how varying positionalities such as marital status, tenure systems, and local power dynamics shape women’s encounters with LSLAs. Our findings reveal that while patriarchal structures continue to restrict women’s control over land resources, the economic opportunities arising from projects in the Central and Volta regions of Ghana have enhanced some women’s financial independence and decision-making power within their households. This shift, however, has created tensions, as men perceive these changes as a challenge to traditional gender roles. By interrogating these complex gendered experiences, this study enriches the FPE framework, highlighting how intersecting positionalities influence resource access and control in agrarian communities.

Naomi Alderman’s Novel the Power Under the Shade of Althusser's Hypotheses.

The Power by Naomi Alderman prompts readers to actively confront the prevailing patriarchal power systems that currently exist. The story takes place in a world that is mostly recognizable to us, with the exception of the emergence of "the power" - a unique capacity possessed by women to produce an electric charge. This ability is made possible by the presence of a little organ known as a skein. Throughout the narrative, the female characters derive their authority from several ideological frameworks: Eve from religious beliefs, Margot from the United States government and “the military-industrial complex”, “Roxy” from the realm of criminal organization, and “Tatiana” from an established dictatorship. Since the main characters strive to enhance the world according to their own judgement, they amass greater influence not from their personal abilities, but from the governing system that suppresses them, which they eventually come to control. This research employs Marxism framework of “dialectical materialism” and the ideological apparatus of Althusser (repressive and ideological state apparatus) to examine the relationship between wealth and gender, as well as the author's philosophy on the repressive ideologies and the prevailing “patriarchal power structure”. The story challenges the notion of a gendered oppressive system, despite seeing women engaging in the same violence that they themselves endure from men in contemporary society.

Afghan Migrant Women in Politics: Overcoming Barriers to Civic Participation in Host Countries

The study investigates systemic restrictions blocking Afghan migrant women from engaging in political processes in Germany, the USA, and Iran. Wearers of cultural limitations through gender regulations face language complexity while traditional social requirements maintain women in classic marginalization while institutional processes enact discriminatory rules and lack of political participation barriers prevent civic engagement. The analysis demonstrates how patriarchal structures, along with built-in discriminatory frameworks, generate sustained exclusion patterns through the application of constructivist and feminist theories. Studies show that leadership development programs built in local communities when combined with political mentoring services and gender-specific administrative reform in child care and immigration systems, achieve maximum impact. The participation of Afghan women will increase substantially by integrating grassroots activity with reforms to structural institutions. The research results of this study serve as foundational information for legislative and civilian institutions to build programs enabling Afghan women's civic development and inclusive equality.

From Superstition to Violence: Understanding the Tragic Reality of Witch-Hunting in Assam

This article examines the practice of witch-hunting in Assam, a region with a historical and sociocultural context distinct from other parts of India. While witch-hunting has global roots, its persistence in Assam is intertwined with local tribal traditions, patriarchal structures, economic dynamics, and societal norms. The article explores the historical origins of witch-hunting in Assam, including its evolution from indigenous beliefs to the influence of colonial ideologies. A significant focus is placed on understanding the role of social and spatial dynamics in witch-hunting cases, particularly within tribal communities where superstition, lack of healthcare, and education contribute to the perpetuation of this practice. The discussion also delves into how and why witch-hunting has long been an ignored social issue in Assam, with limited media coverage and government intervention until recent years. The study further argues about the role of grassroots organizations and media in bringing attention to the issue and shaping public perception.

La escritura borrada de las mujeres. Itinerarios lectores inclusivos y (re)construcción del canon poético / The erased writing of women. Inclusive reading itineraries and (re)construction of the poetic canon

This article deals with the way in which patriarchal structures have silenced women's poetic discourse in spanish’s 20th century, perpetuating the secular models of tradition. The theoretical starting point shows how the literary canon has been constructed on the basis of history and the dominant ideology in order to promote its dissemination through the school canon reproduced in the didactic materials used in literary education. Once the research problem has been defined, the new situation is addressed as a result of the legal implementation of the LOMLOE in Andalucía, suggesting strategies to create original, relevant and innovative reading itineraries in order to work on the reality of 20th century poetry in a meaningful way, also favouring education in values such as respect for gender equality. The aim is to integrate into the baccalaureate curriculum significant female authors who, despite their quality and value, have been overshadowed even though they should legitimately be included in order to compose a valid textual corpus that responds to the truth of the historical-literary, seeking exclusively to improve the training of readers.

Benefits, Challenges, and Strategies for Increasing Women Coaches in Elite Sport

Despite tremendous growth in sport participation of girls and women following Title IX in 1972, women’s participation as sport coaches did not follow the same trajectory. In fact, women remain significantly underrepresented in sport coaching. Research highlights ongoing barriers within the sport industry's patriarchal structure, and although strategies have been proposed to improve women’s representation, the lack of progress over the past two decades indicates limited effectiveness. A better approach is essential to address this issue across individual, interpersonal, organizational, and societal levels. The purpose of this study is to interview participants within the U.S. cross-country skiing program, Trail to Gold (T2G), to learn about its programming and implementation, with an eye toward learning from this comprehensive, multidimensional approach to help advance women coaches in all elite sports. Eight coaches and administrators who participated in the T2G program completed semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and reviewed by participants for accuracy. Key themes were identified using both inductive and deductive qualitative analysis methods, with final themes confirmed by triangulation. T2G participants highlighted the importance of a supportive environment, robust networking, and effective sponsorship to advance women in coaching roles. This study expands the recommended strategies to increase women’s representation in sports coaching by learning from women coaches and administrators who work in environments that value and actively pursue gender parity. Continued support for women coaches is essential for gender equality, enhanced team performance, and a more inclusive sporting environment.

‘I take to the streets because you have to listen to me!’ Latin American women protesting in Europe

‘A rapist on your path’ is a performance created by Las Tesis in Chile in 2019. The performance spread across the world and was performed by other groups of women in different countries. It is a rare example of a Southern-born protest making its way to Western contexts. This article highlights the role of women of Latin American origin in organising the re-creations of the performance and analyses their activism in two European cities, Helsinki and Brussels. It is argued that performing in the streets was about spreading the message of the performance and an act of solidarity with activists in Chile. The performance also enabled the performing groups to gain visibility and voice and to network with other groups. Performing in the streets was also a way of breaking away from the Western feminism entrenched in institutions and the academia, and to critically assess Western feminist approaches. Feminist protesting on the streets targets patriarchal structures as the root cause of gender-based violence. Spreading Southern perceptions on the streets of European cities challenges understandings of feminism as entrenched in the academy and in institutions and instead, opens feminist debates to all.

Neuro-queering feminism: Creating space within feminism to address autistic experiences of gender oppression

The emerging recognition of autistic women and gender-diverse people has highlighted the need for an intersectional approach to understanding their experiences of oppression. However, the axis of neurodivergence has so far been underaddressed within existing intersectional frameworks as the experiences of oppression of autistic women and gender-diverse people have historically been marginalised within both autism research and feminist theory. Addressing this marginalisation within these respective fields is important as autistic women and gender-diverse people experience unique forms of oppression that are underpinned by both patriarchal and neuro-normative structures. This theoretical paper uses neuro-queer feminism as an intersectional framework to examine the experiences of gender and neuro-minority-based oppression of autistic women and gender-diverse people. Neuro-queer feminism is outlined in terms of its usefulness as an intersectional framework for expanding the existing boundaries of feminist scholarship to include neuro-minority experiences of gender oppression, particularly in relation to autistic women and gender-diverse people. The applications of neuro-queer feminism are also discussed in relation to how feminist theory and practice can draw on the neurodiversity paradigm in addressing autistic experiences of gender oppression, such as gender-essentialist constructions of autism and gendered violence.

“A Double Decline in Character”: A Grounded Theory Analysis of Female Drug User Experiences in Iran

Using a constructivist grounded theory design, this study explores the perception and experience of Iranian women living with drug use, identifying everyday conflicts and coping strategies that enable them to manage their situation. We conducted unstructured, in-depth interviews with abstinent drug users (11) and healthcare professionals (2) at three rehab centers in Tehran, Iran. In line with our grounded theory aspirations to explore the social meanings of women's drug use and addiction, we supplemented the interviews with a surrounding material consisting of articles published in the main national newspaper from 2015 to 2018 and a film documentary (10 parts, 3 h) entitled “Iranian Women of Addiction,” ( Shab boohay-e-sokhteh) (2010–2011). Our analysis resulted in two main bundles of meaning-making that we claim are permeating the everyday lives of Iranian women with drug use: the double decline in character, and self-shielding. The study reveals the simultaneous presence of two stigmatized identities: drug use and sex work ( fahsha). It shows that the stigma of sex work is closely connected to a drug-related identity, irrespective of whether women are actively involved in sex work or not. The findings illustrate how societal views are biased against drug user women in the domain of drug use, diminishing their presence and voice. The interviewees tried to manage by developing a peer network, adopting a protective role, and becoming intrinsically motivated to quit drug use. The study furthers our understanding of women's alarming and complex realities in traditional Islamic and familistic patriarchal structures.

Exploring Socio-Cultural Determinants of Female Suicides: A Qualitative Study of Gahkuch, Gilgit-Baltistan

This qualitative ethnographic study investigates the socio-cultural determinants of female suicides in Gahkuch, District Ghizer, Gilgit-Baltistan, where alarming rates of such incidents have been reported. The research aims to uncover the perceptions of the community, and affected families regarding the underlying causes of female suicides, while exploring the broader socio-cultural and psychological contexts. Data were collected through purposive sampling, employing in-depth interviews with diverse participants, including relatives of victims, community members, land alongside direct observations. Thematic analysis of the data reveals that patriarchal norms, restricted decision-making autonomy for women, domestic violence, forced marriages, and societal rejection of personal choices are pivotal factors driving women toward suicide. Additional determinants include the unavailability of ideal life partners, marital conflicts, societal pressure to conform to traditional roles, and the stigma attached to non-conventional behavior, such as pursuing love marriages or modern lifestyles. The study also identifies cases of honor killings misrepresented as suicides due to societal taboos around disclosing the true causes of death. Psychological stressors, compounded by inadequate acknowledgment of women’s contributions to households and society, were found to exacerbate vulnerabilities. Unique local factors, such as the misuse of technology, excessive salt consumption linked to aggressive behavior, and limited mental health support, were also highlighted as contributing elements. The study concludes that Gahkuch’s traditional and patriarchal social structure, despite progress in education and empowerment, perpetuates systemic inequalities and cultural restrictions that leave women vulnerable. To address these issues, the research emphasizes the need for societal reforms, enhanced religious and mental health awareness, and initiatives promoting gender equality and female empowerment. It further advocates for targeted interventions, including community-based awareness campaigns, institutional mechanisms for addressing domestic violence, and the inclusion of women in decision-making processes, to mitigate the factors leading to female suicides and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in the region.

A Study of Women Oppression and Injustice in Indian Theatre

Women in traditional culture and patriarchal society are often perceived as repositories of societal ills. The condition of women in contemporary India has been adversely affected by many forms of injustice and oppression that arise in Indian society. They are outcasts deprived of societal privileges because of them being perceived as the inferior sex. Over the years, many Indian writers have contributed to the field of women's literature. Even though their position has been uplifted, the exploitation of women and gender discrimination has not been eradicated. This paper seeks to explain how patriarchy, inequality, intersectional oppression, and gender discrimination result in women's subjugation and marginalisation through a feminist understanding of the plays Tara (1995) by Mahesh Dattani and Brides are Not for Burning (1993) by Dina Mehta. The selected plays are groundbreaking in the literary canon that condemns gender discrimination, violence, exploitation, and ostracization of women. The study aims to examine and analyse male and female writers’ perspectives in literature that creatively highlight the grief, scorn, degradation, and humiliation of women in male-dominated society. Finally, it explores the core reasons for the necessity for the quest for identity within society and posits how gender issues and patriarchal structures shape women’s identities, eventually leading to the oppression and consequent injustice faced by female characters in the play.

Gender, Class, and Political Power in Isabel Allende’s The House of the Spirits: A Feminist Reading of the Post-Colonial Landscape in Chile

In The House of the Spirits, Isabel Allende explores the intersection of gender, class, and political power through the lives of the Trueba family, with a focus on the experiences of the female characters. This paper examines how women in the novel engage with political movements, challenge dictatorial oppression, and navigate patriarchal structures. Central to this exploration are Clara, Blanca, and Alba, whose individual journeys highlight the complexities of female agency in times of political and social unrest. Through their activism, spiritual resistance, and personal struggles, these women subvert traditional gender roles and demonstrate how women carve out spaces for resistance within male-dominated spheres. The feminist critique within Allende’s work exposes the limitations imposed on women’s agency in revolutionary movements, while also showcasing their significant contributions to the fight for social justice and gender equality. This analysis reflects the broader feminist discourse on the intersectionality of gender, class, and political struggle in the context of Latin American history.

Unveiling Ecological Feminism in Manga Series Buddha by Osamu Tezuka

Due to constant exploitation of environment, the theory of ecocriticism has emerged; this intersection of literature and ecology provides a greater scope to interpret current environmental crisis, and one of the lenses that has emerged through it, is ‘Ecofeminism’. Ecofeminism is a social and political movement that examines the interconnectedness between the oppression of women and the degradation of the environment. Osamu Tezuka’s manga series Buddha, while focuses on Siddhartha’s spiritual journey, it also incorporates diverse female characters playing significant roles in the series. The paper probes into the various aspects of eco-feminist ideals through these female characters, such as the rejection of oppressive gender roles, the pursuit of personal agency and spiritual growth, and the recognition of the interconnectedness between human beings and the natural world. It further delves into the challenges of traditional patriarchal structures and offer alternative narratives that emphasize empathy and a harmonious relationship with nature.

To what extent does fecundity hinder women’s potential development in the modern society and is fecundity inherently a concept separated from women

This essay investigates how women’s potential for development in modern society has been hindered by associations with fecundity, arguing that fertility should be conceptualized separately from womanhood. It addresses the current challenges women face in the realms of economic value, family roles, and artistic representation, highlighting how patriarchal and capitalist structures confine women’s value primarily to their reproductive capacity. Despite the introduction of policies aimed at preventing discriminatory employment practices based on marital or reproductive status, women continue to face implicit marginalization in the workplace. The essay identifies a positive correlation between the frequency of childbirth and the incidence of domestic violence, suggesting a devaluation of women’s roles within households that stems from reducing their worth to fertility alone. Furthermore, a review of ancient artworks reveals a historical emphasis on women’s reproductive function, often at the cost of diminishing their individuality. Through a metaphysical perspective, the essay argues that fecundity is not inherently linked to womanhood and calls for broader social awareness and transformative changes to dismantle patriarchal structures that sustain this misconception.

Ecofeminist Reading of Balakrishna Sama’s Don’t Cut down the Trees, Brother Woodcutter

Balakrishna Sama’s poem, Don’t Cut down the Trees, Brother Woodcutter, presents a compelling, environmental concern with socio-cultural reflections. This paper employs an ecofeminist perspective to analyze the poem, exploring the intricate connections between gender and nature. Ecofeminism, as a theoretical framework, posits that the oppression of women and the exploitation of nature are deeply interconnected and rooted in patriarchal structures. The analysis delves into the portrayal of nature as a feminine entity in the poem, drawing parallels between the exploitation of women and the exploitation of the environment. Through characters such as the Woodcutter and the trees personifying as dead mothers, the poem illustrates how patriarchal attitudes manifest in the destruction of nature, echoing the subjugation of women. Furthermore, the ecofeminist perspective unveils the significance of women as agency in environmental activism. Characters like the mother and the trees symbolize the resistance against ecological destruction, emphasizing the vital role of mothers in nurturing and protecting the environment. By intertwining environmental and gender concerns, Don’t Cut down the Trees, Brother Woodcutter underscores the need for a paradigm shift towards a more equitable and sustainable relationship with nature. This ecofeminist reading sheds light on the complex interplay between gender and nature in Balakrishna Sama’s poem, offering insights into how literature can contribute to broader conversations about environmental justice and gender equality.

A language of Their Own: Deconstructing Patriarchal Language and Religious Oppression in Miriam Toews’ Women Talking

This essay explores the depiction of linguistic and religious oppression of women in Miriam Toews' Women Talking, while focusing on their efforts to deconstruct patriarchal structures and reclaim agency. Set within a patriarchal Mennonite community, the novel illustrates the lives of women and their endeavors to find a solution to the systemic sexual violence perpetrated by men within the community. This essay argues that the women’s journey toward self-discovery and liberation hinges on their ability to deconstruct patriarchal language and reconstruct a new, emancipatory form of expression. Since language is central to the novel, the analysis of the women’s dialogues and interpretive acts brings their journey of challenging oppressive structures into sharper focus. In this context, Kristeva’s theory of symbolic and semiotic modalities, which transcend phallogocentrism, and Derrida’s theory of deconstruction, which challenges fixed meanings and centralized authority in language offer significant insight into how these women navigate the journey of deconstructing oppressive language and religion while attempting to reconstruct new ones. Building on these theoretical perspectives, the essay situates the novel within discussions of feminism, religious hegemony, and gender-based violence, exploring how language and religion, as tools of patriarchal oppression, intersect to shape the women's experiences. Finally, it demonstrates how Women Talking challenges and redefines narratives of power and agency in contemporary literature.

Disrupted Patriarchy – Powers of Pregnant Women in Halsey’s If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power (2021)

Horror movies are the main contradictors of the cultural characterization of pregnancy as a blissful and positive experience. The representation of characters within the genre withdraws from that practice and offers stories where gestating women disrupt the patriarchal order through an attempt to reclaim their autonomy. In this work, I analyze the issue of horror pregnancy and the numerous binaries that try to define women in the patriarchal structures. This work proposes that Halsey’s independent movie If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power (2021) is a story of a woman who does not conform to misogynistic categories through mystical pregnancy. I will trace the evolution of the binaries that began with Freud’s Madonna Whore Dichotomy to Erin Harrington’s “Good” and “Bad” Mother theory to delineate that Halsey’s movie is a contemporary attempt to reintroduce and reframe the theories about women’s sexuality and identity. While referencing the conclusions of feminist scholars like Shulamith Firestone and Betty Friedan, I present how the patriarchal culture often excludes, demonizes, and limits pregnant women’s significance as individuals. A close reading of the scenes and the soundtrack to the movie suggests that If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power uses the trope of horror pregnancy to point out the patriarchal discrimination of pregnant women’s empowerment. In that, the feminist interpretation of Halsey’s movie breaks down the stereotype of a monstrous gestating woman to present that pregnancy can come with a form of power.