When Did ‘Patriarchy’ Become a Bad Word?
Like most of you who are reading this, I learned the word “patriarchy” in church.
In Bible class, I learned the Bible divides history into three parts: the Patriarchal Age, the Mosaical Age, and the Christian Age. The “patriarchs” were men like Noah, Job, and Abraham, who lived before the kingdom of Israel was established. In the days of the patriarchy, God communicated with humankind through heads of households, men who served their families like priests.
The word “patriarch” means “father.” And a father is a good thing, right?
So when did “patriarchy” become a bad word? If you have been listening, these days the word is usually pronounced with a sneer. Maybe you have seen it plastered on a sign in a march or spewed out by feminists on news shows. Maria Mies expresses the feelings of our culture toward the patriarchy in her succinct statement, “Peace in patriarchy is war against women.”
The world started turning on the patriarchy during the rise of feminism in the 1960s. It took a while for public sentiment to catch up, but the war against patriarchs is now in full steam.
In today's vernacular, a “patriarch” is not simply a father. He is an oppressive male who insists on keeping women from getting an education and pursuing a career. He is driven by power and greed. The world has risen above the patriarchy, we are told.
I agree that women are equal in value to men and that they should have the same opportunities as men to grow and thrive in society. However, I think we have been too quick to throw out the patriarchs. With the undesirable corrupt stereotypes attached to traditional masculinity, like holding women back and ruling with an iron fist, we've thrown out the important differences between men and women. We are asked to believe there should be no distinction between the sexes, no such thing as gender roles, and anyone who disagrees deserves to be cancelled immediately.
One of the dangerous outcomes of condemning the patriarchy is the alarming disappearance of fathers. According to the latest census numbers, one in four children in America (18.4 million) have no father living with them at home. Without fathers at home, children are at greater risk for poverty, behavioral problems, teen pregnancies, drugs and alcohol, and dropping out of school.
The world needs fathers! Heed the wise advice of Solomon: “…the glory of children is their fathers” (Prov. 17:6). Also, “Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old” (Prov. 23:22). Let’s do away with abusive power, but let’s not throw away our patriarchs. Let’s keep our patriarchs. We need their leadership, their influence, and their love!
Drew Kizer