Patriarchy: Not Just About Men, Say Experts

Recent discussions involving Dia Mirza, Soha Ali Khan, and Arati Kumar-Rao challenge common understandings of patriarchy and feminism. They argue that patriarchy is not exclusively about men, nor feminism exclusively about women, reframing the discourse on gender equality.

These conversations underscore how industries such as fashion and cosmetics thrive by fostering insecurity. They create a market by programming individuals, particularly women, to believe they are insufficient, thus driving sales of beauty and anti-aging products.

The speakers stressed the importance of female solidarity, encouraging women to support and celebrate each other's differences. They also noted how patriarchal jokes and labels, often deemed harmless, perpetuate restrictive societal norms.

Kumar-Rao explicitly stated that 'Patriarchy is not about men. Feminism is not about women,' pointing out the existence of 'patriarchal women' and 'feminist men.' This perspective views patriarchy as a set of beliefs, not an inherent trait, and feminism as a universal commitment to fairness.

This nuanced view suggests that the perpetuation of patriarchal ideas occurs through casual, unthinking transmission—via jokes, labels, or misplaced laughter—rather than solely through overt enforcement.