English language
Published Jan. 26, 2023 by Beacon Press.
I found this book very interesting, and easy to follow - well written for someone new to the area of study which is a big plus for me when reading books such as these - no prior knowledge assumed. It had a good overview of the existing material and then some interesting critique and work from the author. I felt a bit unsatisfied by the conclusion but in general, enjoyed.
There's lots of really good information in this book, and Saini makes a very good case for how we've missed a lot of the stories about how society came to be in an attempt to fix a gendered narrative on it. The problem I have with it is, like her earlier Inferior, it reads more as a series of pieces sharing similar topics rather than a single boo with a cohesive argument and narrative. Feels like there's a lot more that could be said about how the different parts of this link together but then it ends with a very brief conclusion.
Patriarchy, a system where men hold primary power and dominate in roles of political leadership, social privilege, and authority, has long been considered a universal and inherent part of human society. However, Angela Saini’s fascinating book, “The Patriarchs” challenges his notion by delving into the origins of patriarchy and its profound impact on human society.
Saini explores the many factors that have contributed to the rise of patriarchy, including the development of agriculture, the growth of urbanization, and the rise of organised religion. Patriarchy, she argues, isn’t an inherent aspect of human society but rather a cultural construct that has evolved over time, influenced by historical, social, and economic factors.
The Patriarchs is an ambitious book. Saini shows that patriarchy is not inevitable, but rather a social construct that can be reshaped, reworked and reinforced. Women have challenged and resisted patriarchy throughout history and will continue to do so. The …
