Patriarch Leads Household examines the historical dominance of male authority within Western families before the 1960s, exploring the social, legal, and economic factors that underpinned this patriarchal system. This social science study dives deep into how masculinity was constructed as inherently authoritative, influencing women's roles and impacting broader society. For instance, the book reveals how laws concerning property ownership and inheritance were structured to reinforce male headship, granting men significant domestic power.
The book progresses systematically, beginning with a theoretical framework that defines key terms like “patriarchy” and “authority.” Subsequent chapters explore the construction of masculinity through education and employment, followed by an analysis of women's limited access to opportunities within the patriarchal system.
What distinguishes this book is its intersectional approach, acknowledging diverse experiences within the pre-1960s era and avoiding a monolithic view of the traditional family.
