Understanding the Distinction Between Patriarchy and Sexism

In the discourse of feminism, the terms patriarchy, sexism, and phallocentrism are used to describe different forms of woman-hating and oppression. These three concepts, while distinct, are interconnected, forming the complex web of gender inequality in society.

Sexism: The Manifestation of Discrimination

Sexism is the outward expression of misogyny or woman-hating and is characterized by overt behavior that treats women as inferior to men. This can manifest in visible acts or speech that are discriminatory or oppressive towards women. Historically, even revered philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, St. Augustine, Kant, and Hegel have contributed to the spread of sexist ideas through their writings, illustrating how deeply embedded these attitudes can be in our societies.

Sexism is not a contingent phenomenon but an integral part of the sex/gender system. It is enshrined in institutional and cultural practices that favor men over women. This systemic discrimination is often subtle and pervasive, making it difficult to identify and challenge. Examples of sexist practices can be found in various fields, including academia, politics, and media.

Patriarchy: Deeper Structural Oppression

Patriarchy is a more profound and pernicious form of misogyny that goes beyond individual acts. It is a system of institutions and customs that support male dominance. Patriarchy creates specific roles for men and women, with women often being objectified and their value tied to their utility in the reproductive and productive labor. The power dynamics within patriarchy are rooted in men's control over women's labor, both productive and reproductive. This control is maintained through the unequal distribution of power, where those in power can justify domination on the grounds of their superiority.

In patriarchal societies, men are born with a male privilege that is not earned by choice. This privilege is a byproduct of the systemic structures that favor men. To resist and combat patriarchy, individuals, particularly men, must actively work to address and change institutional biases and challenge the status quo. Becoming an accomplice to patriarchy by ignoring women's rightful participation or perpetuating the status quo is a form of inaction that contributes to the perpetuation of oppression.

Phallocentrism: Conceptual Discrimination

Phallocentrism is the third form of misogyny, focusing on conceptual discrimination. It is rooted in the belief that there is a transcendent sex/gender neutral human essence that can be attained by men and women. This concept argues that sexual oppression is inevitable unless the body is transcended or displaced as the center of female identity. Phallocentrism emphasizes the need to focus on the human essence that lies beyond gender differences, asserting that men represent this essence most fully.

Phallocentrism is marked by a cultural bias that prioritizes masculine traits such as rationality, assertiveness, and independence. This bias is reflected in the use of language and philosophical discourse that marginalizes women's lived experiences. Philosophically, sexism arises from the exclusion of women's experiences in mainstream philosophy. The phallocentric concept of human assumes that the masculine is the universal human standard, relegating the feminine to a subordinate position.

In phallocentrism, the masculine is granted an autonomous position, while the feminine is defined in relation to the masculine. This assumption creates an unequal power dynamic where women are required to transcend their female identity to achieve equality. This can be seen in the prescription of asking both men and women to converge towards a neutral human ideal, which is not gender-neutral but inherently male-biased.

Feminists critique the tripartite division of man, woman, and human as inherently phallocentric. The category of human is seen as gender-biased, and the concept of human should be written as human to expose the hidden agenda that valorizes male virtues as universal.

Conclusion

Understanding the distinctions between patriarchy, sexism, and phallocentrism is crucial for challenging and dismantling gender inequality. Each form of misogyny operates on different levels but all contribute to the systemic oppression of women. By recognizing these forms of oppression and actively working to address them, we can move closer to a more equitable and just society.