Is The Patriarchy Oppressive | Dr. David Buss

This clip is for the Jordan Peterson podcast series where Dr. Peterson is interviewing Dr. David Buss one of the greatest evolutionary psychologists, In this clip Dr. Buss answer the question: Is the patriarchy oppressive?

[letmewatchmyshows]

Best explanation for how genders are appropriating modern social movements to protect themselves- yes there’s inequity to be addressed with human rights laws, and people need less group think not more.

[quentinkumba]

Understanding Patriarchy: A Clarification

Misconception: The common misconception is that patriarchy is synonymous with men oppressing women.

**Clarification:** Patriarchy is actually a societal system characterized by certain values and norms that can be upheld by both men and women, and it has the effect of oppressing both genders.

#### Key Points:

1. **Definition of Patriarchy:**
- **Patriarchy is a societal structure, not individual behavior:** It is an institutionalized system where power and authority are primarily held by men, but it is supported and perpetuated by societal norms and values that both men and women can endorse.

2. **Impact on Women:**
- **Women are subjected to restrictive roles:** Patriarchy enforces gender roles that limit women's opportunities, freedoms, and rights, often relegating them to domestic spheres and lower-status positions in society.

3. **Impact on Men:**
- **Men are also constrained by rigid expectations:** Patriarchy imposes harmful expectations on men, such as the need to suppress emotions, maintain dominance, and adhere to narrow definitions of masculinity, which can lead to psychological and emotional distress.

4. **Mutual Reinforcement by Both Genders:**
- **Both men and women can perpetuate patriarchal values:** Women can internalize and enforce these norms just as men can, demonstrating that the issue is not about one gender oppressing another, but about a shared adherence to a restrictive set of values.

5. **Broader Societal Harm:**
- **Patriarchy affects societal well-being:** By promoting inequality and rigid roles, patriarchy hinders social progress and the development of a more equitable and empathetic society.

6. **Need for Systemic Change:**
- **Challenging patriarchal values benefits everyone:** Addressing and dismantling these norms can lead to a society where both men and women are free to express themselves, pursue their ambitions, and enjoy equal opportunities.

### Conclusion

Understanding patriarchy as a set of values rather than individual actions broadens the perspective on gender oppression. Recognizing that both men and women can perpetuate these values highlights the need for a collective effort to challenge and change the system for the benefit of all.