What Is Patriarchy? Gender Inequality And Mental Health

The relationship between patriarchy—a system in which men hold most of the power and authority in society—and mental health can be complex. In a patriarchal society, men and their associated traits are often valued more than women and their associated traits, which can have a range of adverse effects on people of all genders, including men. It is a system that creates and perpetuates gender and intersectional inequalities. For this reason, all individuals can play a part in learning how patriarchy manifests, its impacts on an individual and global scale, and the mental health implications of gender inequality.

What is patriarchy?

The Cambridge Dictionary defines patriarchy as “a society in which the oldest male is the leader of the family or a society controlled by men in which they use their power relations to their own advantage.” In other words, patriarchy is a social system characterized by male power and dominance. 

The extent to which patriarchal social structures exist today can vary based on the society. Historically, patriarchal systems in human societies have prevailed in many countries and cultures. However, in recent decades, progress has been made to varying extents due to ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and end women’s oppression. Still, patriarchal relations and dynamics exist to varying degrees in different communities, cultures, and settings. 

Patriarchal structures can take various forms depending on the location and context. For instance, in some settings, women may continue to experience systemic inequalities like limited access to reproductive healthcare, employment, or education. In others, inequalities may be more social, such as bias or prejudice. 

Examples of the patriarchy’s effects on women worldwide can include:

• Limited access to reproductive healthcare
• Inequalities in employment 
• Lack of access to education
• Differences in salary compared to male peers (also known as the “wage gap”)
• Gender-based violence, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, or the use of force to otherwise oppress women 
• Lack of political representation or inability to participate in politics

Current patriarchal effects

The extent to which patriarchal structures and ideas still dominate can vary, with some societies making attempts to bridge historical gender gaps and promote gender equality. However, not all women may experience the effects of patriarchy in the same way, and patriarchal ideas and cultural norms may remain in places where women are considered legally equal to men. As a result, these differences may contribute to ongoing forms of prejudice and discrimination. 

Often embedded in the patriarchy is the false notion of a “gender and sex binary”—i.e., the idea that gender is binary and follows directly from biological sex. Researchers have argued that the gender and sex binary “supports the patriarchy” by sustaining “a gendered system of power imbalance that oppresses women (and other marginalized groups) as a group and encourages harmful behaviors in men.”

While some of the discussion around the patriarchy is framed in these binary “men vs. women” terms, patriarchal systems can involve the systematic oppression of women, gender minorities, and a range of other marginalized groups.  

Patriarchal culture: Mental health considerations

Patriarchal social systems can have a range of potential mental health effects on people of all genders. These effects can vary depending on the individual and the type of inequality they are experiencing. Examples of possible mental health challenges related to the patriarchy may include the following. 

Depression

Recent research has found evidence of a relationship between high gender inequality and a higher ratio of depressive disorder rates for people of all genders.  

Reduced self-esteem

Women and gender minorities may experience low self-esteem due to sexism and related dynamics on both a societal scale and in more personal interactions. However, men may also feel confined and negatively impacted by patriarchal views around masculinity—for example, believing they aren’t “manly” enough may contribute to low self-esteem. 

Stress

Experiencing inequality, bias, stigma, discrimination, and oppression can lead to high levels of stress. Stress can sometimes lead to long-term mental and physical health complications, such as inflammation, chronic pain, and headaches. 

Burnout

Some women may experience prolonged, high levels of stress leading to burnout when juggling a career and taking on most household duties (sometimes called the “second shift”). Women are often expected to take on emotional, physical, and domestic responsibilities in relationships, which can lead to severe stress. 

Post-traumatic stress disorder

After experiencing gender-based violence, some women and gender minorities may experience trauma-related mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

The mental health of men and boys

Although these possible effects may come because of attempts to oppress or exploit women and gender minorities, the patriarchy can have mental health effects on people of all genders, including men. Patriarchal gender expectations—for example, that men should “man up,” avoid expressing their emotions, or act stereotypically masculine—may contribute to social isolation, stress, or depression among men. 

Getting support

If you are experiencing any challenges connected to inequality and patriarchal systems, various resources are available to navigate them, which may help support mental health and well-being. For instance, support groups may provide an opportunity for those affected by the patriarchy to connect with others over shared experiences in a safe, non-judgmental space. 

For individuals experiencing gender inequality or discrimination, community resources and advocacy groups may be a helpful source of guidance, support, and assistance. For those experiencing gender-based violence, hotlines like the National Domestic Violence Hotline can be a source of immediate help and assistance.

Alternative support options 

For those experiencing mental health challenges related to the patriarchy, therapy can be another helpful resource. Speaking with a licensed therapist can be a way to express one’s emotions openly, develop strategies for supporting one’s mental health, or address mental health conditions that may have arisen due to patriarchal structures. 

Those navigating the adverse effects of gender inequality and other related dynamics in their daily lives may find that concerns arise at unpredictable, unexpected times, and it may be helpful to reach out to a professional in those moments. In these cases, online therapy through platforms like BetterHelp may be a beneficial option, offering the ability to use in-app messaging to reach out to your therapist anytime and receive a response when they are available.  

A range of studies have found online therapy to be an effective alternative to in-person treatment for a range of concerns, including mental health conditions like depression. For instance, a 2018 meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) for depression and anxiety disorders, and it found that iCBT and face-to-face CBT were equally effective.