Why Patriarchy (Why Not Equal Opportunity Society)

As we all know most of the societies in the world are male-dominated and are referred to as Patriarchy. According to Wikipedia Patriarchy is a social system in which positions of dominance and privilege are primarily held by men. It is used, both as a technical anthropological term for families or clans controlled by the father or eldest male or group of males and in feminist theory where it is used to describe broad social structures in which men dominate over women and children. In these theories, it is often extended to a variety of manifestations in which men have social privileges over others causing exploitation or oppression, such as through male dominance of moral authority and control of property

Pakistani society, like many societies around the world, has historically been patriarchal, which means that men have held more power and influence in various aspects of life. There are several factors that contribute to this male dominance:

1. Cultural and Traditional Norms

2. Religious Influence

3. Socioeconomic Factors

4. Legal Framework

5. Lack of Education and Awareness

Here it is worth mentioning that Pakistani society is evolving, and there have been significant efforts to promote gender equality and empower women in recent years. Women in Pakistan continue to break barriers in various fields, including sports, politics, business, and education. However, changing deeply ingrained cultural and societal norms takes time and concerted effort from both individuals and institutions.

A male-dominated society often emerges due to historical, cultural, and structural factors that have perpetuated gender disparities and unequal opportunities. Here are some reasons why societies have historically been male-dominated:

1. Traditional Gender Roles

2. Cultural Norms:

3. Economic Factors

4. Historical knew Precedence

5. Religious Interpretations

6. Lack of Awareness:

It's important to note that there has been significant progress in many parts of the world towards promoting gender equality and equal gender opportunities. Efforts are being made to challenge traditional norms, empower women, and create more inclusive societies. The goal is to move towards a society where all individuals, regardless of their gender, have equal opportunities, rights, and access to resources. Achieving this requires addressing the root causes of gender inequality and working collectively to create more equitable and inclusive societies.

Under Patriarchy, the most pertinent question that arises is whether women should be given an equal share in Pakistani society which pertains to the broader issue of gender equality. Gender equality is a fundamental principle of human rights and is enshrined in various international agreements and conventions, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It implies that all individuals, regardless of their gender, should have equal access to opportunities, resources, and rights in all aspects of life.

In many societies, including Pakistan, efforts are being made to promote gender equality and empower women. This can include initiatives to ensure that women have equal access to education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and participation in decision-making processes. The question of equal share can be applied to various aspects of society, including property rights, inheritance, and economic resources. Many countries have reformed laws and practices to ensure that women have equal inheritance rights as men, recognizing that such changes can contribute to greater gender equality. However, the issue of equal share in Pakistani society is complex and may involve legal, cultural, and societal factors. It is a matter of ongoing debate and discussion in many countries, including Pakistan.

The next question that immediately comes to our mind is whether male domination is a good thing or not and it is purely a matter of perspective, and opinions on this issue vary widely. It's important to note that in many societies around the world, including Pakistan, there is a growing recognition that gender equality and the empowerment of women are important for social progress and human rights.

Islam holds a very clear and firm point of view on this issue, in terms of Islamic perspectives on society and gender roles, interpretations can vary among scholars and communities. While Islam emphasizes principles of justice, equality, and respect for all individuals, interpretations of these principles can differ. Some argue that Islamic teachings support equal rights for men and women, while others hold more traditional views that emphasize distinct roles for men and women.

It's important to recognize that there isn't a single, universally accepted interpretation of Islamic teachings on this matter. However, many Muslim-majority countries have made efforts to promote gender equality within the framework of their own legal and cultural contexts.

In terms of who should have domination, Islamic teachings often emphasize that individuals should strive for righteousness, justice, and ethical behavior regardless of their gender. The concept of leadership in Islam is not limited to one gender, and both men and women can contribute to their communities and society in various ways.

It's essential to engage in respectful and informed discussions about these topics, taking into account diverse perspectives and the evolving social and cultural contexts in Muslim-majority societies. Many Muslims and scholars are actively working to promote interpretations of Islam that support gender equality and social justice. It's important to note that interpretations of Islamic teachings can vary among scholars and communities. While many Muslims and scholars emphasize the equality of men and women in Islam, there may be differences in how these principles are applied in different cultural and social contexts. In recent years, there has been increased emphasis on promoting gender equality within the framework of Islamic teachings in many Muslim-majority countries.

Considering it from a gender domination perspective, a desirable society in Pakistan should be one that promotes gender equality and rejects male domination. This society should:

1. Spiritual Equality:

2. Ensure Equal Rights:

3. Challenge Traditional Gender Norms

4. Equal Reward and Punishment

5. Empower Women by encouraging entrepreneurship.

6. Ensure Equal Inheritance Rights

7. Economic Equality with permission to earn their livelihood and job & security of mehr.

8. Promote Education and Awareness with equal opportunity

9. Equal Social Responsibilities

10. Encourage Gender-Responsive Legislation and equal legal Rights.

11. Promote Inclusivity and Diversity

12. Establishing a society and culture based on Modesty and Respect towards other genders.

However, creating such a society in Pakistan requires the collaborative efforts of individuals, communities, civil society organizations, and policymakers. It's a complex process involving legal reforms and changes in cultural attitudes and behaviors. The ultimate goal is to create a society where all individuals, regardless of their gender, can live, thrive, and contribute to their fullest potential.

BY: OVAIS ASAD KHAN