Male Supremacy: How Patriarchy Shapes State Power
The challenge of overcoming patriarchy is immense, but history shows that change is possible.
When Louis XIV declared, “L’état, c’est moi,” he encapsulated a notion that has reverberated throughout history—that a head of state personally embodies the power and identity of a nation. Behind this statement lies a deep-seated ideological framework: patriarchy. Patriarchy is built on the false premise that some people are inherently superior to others by divine will. This post examines how state power, rooted in patriarchal myths, has shaped societies over millennia, perpetuating gender inequality and social stratification. We will explore the historical origins of state formation, the evolution of laws that subjugate women, and the enduring challenges posed by these power structures in both ancient and modern contexts.
The Embodiment of the State and the Cult of Personality
From the earliest days of monarchy, rulers have claimed to be the living incarnation of their state. Leaders like Louis XIV not only ruled over France but also sought to embody the spirit of the nation. Citizens, often steeped in patriotism, are encouraged by state propaganda to revere their leader, sometimes even sacrificing their lives for the country. However, the primary concern of these leaders has rarely been the well-being of their people. Instead, their main interest is the maintenance and expansion of their own power—and that of their family, clique, party, or class.
This conflation of state identity with personal power is not accidental. The state, in its ideal form, is the physical embodiment of a set of ideas—chief among them, the ideology of patriarchy. This system insists that certain individuals, by virtue of their supposed divine superiority, are entitled to rule over others. It is this myth of inherent superiority that justifies acts of violence, oppression, and the suppression of dissent in the name of order and national unity.
The Patriarchal Ideology: A Foundation Built on Lies
At its core, patriarchy is the belief that some people are naturally better than others. It asserts that men are superior to women and that this superiority is sanctioned by divine will. In this view, the very existence of the state is justified by the notion that a select few possess qualities that make them inherently more capable and worthy of power. This supposed inherent superiority gives rulers the right to dictate policies, wage wars, and even execute those who challenge their authority.
Yet, this claim is a lie—a constructed myth that has been used to subjugate not only women but also other groups deemed “inferior” or subordinate. The reality is that no inherent quality grants one person or group the right to control others. Despite this, the myth persists, bolstered by propaganda and institutionalized power. As long as the state continues to base its authority on this false premise, it will remain insecure and in constant need of reinforcing its narrative through force and ideological manipulation.
Democracy’s Struggle Against Patriarchal Foundations
Democracy emerged as an attempt to curtail the worst excesses of autocratic rule. In democratic societies, the ideal is that all people are equal, and that governance should be a matter of collective decision-making rather than the whim of a single ruler. However, no democracy in history has ever fully escaped the grip of patriarchal thinking.
For example, ancient Athens—a birthplace of democracy—granted political rights to only a small group of citizen men while excluding women, slaves, and non-property owners. Similarly, although the United States was founded on the principle that “all men are created equal,” it operated as a slave-owning society that explicitly denied rights to women and many minority groups. These historical examples illustrate that even democratic systems have struggled to break free from patriarchal assumptions.
Modern democracies continue to grapple with these issues. While they tout ideals of equality and fairness, power cliques—now often represented by multinational corporations and entrenched political elites—persist, reflecting the same dynamics of male dominance that have existed since the early days of state formation. Until patriarchy ceases to define our collective thought, true equality remains elusive.
The Divine Right and the Origins of Male Supremacy
In the earliest states, rulers sought to legitimize their authority by claiming a divine connection. Early societies often placed a high god above all others, and rulers would assert a special relationship with this deity to justify their leadership. Initially, many of these societies were influenced by a matricentric tradition, where the divine was associated with the feminine. However, as male-dominated power structures emerged, men began to co-opt these associations.
For instance, early Mesopotamian rulers, such as Sargon, and Egyptian pharaohs sometimes married into divine legitimacy by aligning themselves with goddesses or claiming descent from them. As patrilineal systems became entrenched, rulers began to claim direct descent from a god. This divine ancestry not only bolstered their authority but also reinforced the belief that male superiority was natural and divinely ordained.
This transformation marked a critical turning point in history. As men no longer needed the support of a female divine counterpart to validate their rule, they turned to militaristic means to consolidate power. The new order was characterized by soldier-kings whose authority was based on male solidarity. Their power was not derived from an embrace of female qualities, but rather from a collective effort to usurp any remnants of female influence.
Patriarchy as a Revolution Against Female Domination
The rise of patriarchy can be seen as a deliberate revolution against what was once a more balanced societal structure. In many early kin-based societies, leadership was shared between men and women. However, as societies began to consolidate and form permanent states, some men rallied together to overthrow the perceived dominance of the female. This shift was not about embracing the full range of female powers but was rather a strategic move to seize control over essential aspects of society—especially reproduction and the household.
In a patriarchal system, male solidarity is often maintained by emphasizing a supposed inherent superiority of men over women. This claim of superiority, however, is not an isolated belief; it has far-reaching implications. If one man is considered superior to another, it follows that a hierarchy among men is inevitable. Such distinctions are not only a means of justifying domination over women but also serve to subjugate other men, reinforcing the power of a ruling elite.
This subjection is both psychological and material. Men who fail to conform to the patriarchal ideal are often marginalized, while those who succeed enjoy privileges that further entrench the power structure. The resulting system is one in which loyalty is extracted through a complex interplay of fear, obligation, and propaganda—mechanisms that ensure the continuation of a hierarchy built on the false promise of natural superiority.
The Emergence of Laws to Enforce Female Inferiority
One of the most enduring legacies of early state formation is the systematic regulation of women through law. Across diverse cultures and geographical regions, early states passed laws that explicitly subordinated women. Despite the vast differences in time and space, many of these laws share striking similarities. They prescribed roles that confined women to the domestic sphere, curtailed their autonomy, and enforced strict codes of behavior.
The earliest examples of such laws can be found in ancient Sumer, where laws at Uruk criminalized female adultery—a crime for which only women were held accountable. At the same time, prostitution emerged as a state-sanctioned occupation, often regulated by temple priests to benefit the ruling class. These legal measures were not merely about controlling behavior; they were designed to establish a clear hierarchy in which women were viewed primarily as sexual objects to be controlled and exploited.
This legal subjugation of women was not confined to Mesopotamia. Similar patterns emerged in ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and later in Chinese and Hebrew societies. Women were consistently denied the rights to own property, engage in independent business, or participate in public life. Instead, they were relegated to roles that emphasized their reproductive and domestic functions. The laws governing these roles grew harsher over time, reflecting an increasing obsession with controlling female sexuality and ensuring that women remained dependent on men.
The Economic and Social Implications of Patriarchal Law
The economic and social dimensions of patriarchal law further illustrate how deeply embedded these systems of control are. In many ancient societies, the work of women was essential to the survival and prosperity of the community. Women were responsible for producing food, maintaining households, and even participating in local trade. Yet, despite their significant contributions, the law treated them as second-class citizens, often limiting the amount of money they could handle or the types of work they were permitted to perform.
In many cases, a woman’s earnings were automatically transferred to her husband, leaving her with little economic independence. Even in societies where women were allowed to work, their contributions were frequently undervalued or appropriated by the male-dominated state apparatus. This economic dependency reinforced the social hierarchy, ensuring that women remained bound to their roles as supporters of male authority.
Furthermore, the control of female sexuality was seen as paramount in maintaining this order. Men’s obsession with regulating women’s reproductive capacities led to the creation of laws that restricted a woman’s right to control her own body. From prohibitions against abortion and the use of birth control to the enforcement of strict dress codes and mobility restrictions, these legal measures were designed to subjugate women and prevent them from asserting any form of independent agency.
Religion and the Exclusion of Women from Spiritual Life
Religious institutions have long been complicit in the subjugation of women. In many early states, religion was used as a tool to justify the exclusion of women from the highest realms of spiritual and intellectual life. Initially, many cultures revered the divine in its feminine aspect, and women played prominent roles in religious rituals. However, as patriarchal systems took hold, the religious sphere was reconfigured to exclude women.
In societies that worshipped goddesses, women were once seen as the bearers of divine energy. Over time, however, as male-dominated state structures consolidated power, women were systematically removed from positions of religious authority. In many cases, the highest religious offices were reserved for men, and women were explicitly forbidden from participating in certain rituals or from holding sacred knowledge. The argument was often that women, by their very nature, were incapable of achieving the highest levels of spiritual purity or understanding.
This exclusion had profound implications. By denying women access to spiritual and intellectual pursuits, patriarchal systems not only undermined their autonomy but also curtailed the potential for broader societal progress. Education and intellectual development—key drivers of innovation and social reform—were largely reserved for men, reinforcing a cycle of dependency and subjugation that persists in various forms even today.
The Enduring Impact of Patriarchy on Modern States
Although many modern societies claim to have moved beyond the archaic notions of male superiority, the legacy of patriarchy is still evident in contemporary political, economic, and social structures. Today’s democracies may espouse ideals of equality and individual rights, yet power remains concentrated in the hands of a few, and gender-based discrimination continues to influence every aspect of public and private life.
Modern political institutions, multinational corporations, and even cultural norms still reflect the hierarchical logic of patriarchal systems. In many instances, the political rhetoric that promises “equal opportunity” masks a reality in which women and marginalized groups struggle for true representation and autonomy. The myths of divine right and inherent superiority may have evolved into more secular forms, but their underlying logic remains unchanged.
Moreover, the economic disparities that began in early state formation persist in the modern era. Women, despite their critical contributions to the workforce, continue to face significant challenges in achieving economic independence. Wage gaps, glass ceilings, and systemic discrimination in many industries are a testament to the long shadow cast by patriarchal law. These issues are compounded by the cultural and social narratives that continue to define women’s roles in relation to men.
The Psychological Toll of Patriarchal Domination
Beyond the legal and economic dimensions, the psychological impact of patriarchy on both men and women is profound. For women, the constant regulation of their behavior, sexuality, and reproductive rights creates an environment in which their worth is measured solely by their ability to conform to prescribed roles. This not only undermines their self-esteem but also restricts their ability to pursue personal fulfillment and intellectual growth.
For men, the pressure to assert and maintain superiority can lead to significant psychological strain. The ideal of male dominance, far from being a source of empowerment, often results in a form of toxic masculinity that devalues emotions, fosters aggression, and discourages vulnerability. Men are forced to conform to narrow definitions of success and power, which can lead to internal conflict, alienation, and even mental health challenges. In this way, the patriarchal system degrades both genders, creating a society in which true human potential is stifled by outdated and harmful ideologies.
The Role of Propaganda and Social Conditioning
Central to the maintenance of patriarchal power is the use of propaganda and social conditioning. From early state ceremonies celebrating divine ancestry and military might to modern media portrayals of gender roles, societies have long relied on narratives that reinforce the status quo. These narratives are not accidental; they are carefully crafted to instill a belief in the naturalness and inevitability of the social hierarchy.
Educational institutions, religious organizations, and even family structures have all played a part in perpetuating these myths. By teaching children from a young age that certain roles and behaviors are “natural” or divinely ordained, societies create a self-reinforcing system in which change is not only difficult but also perceived as a threat to the established order. This process of social conditioning ensures that, even in the face of significant social and economic progress, the underlying principles of patriarchy remain deeply embedded in our collective consciousness.
Challenging the Myths: The Path Toward Equality
Despite the deep historical roots of patriarchal power, there is hope for change. The feminist movements of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries have challenged many of the myths and legal structures that have long defined gender relations. By questioning the idea of inherent male superiority and advocating for the recognition of women’s rights as human rights, activists and scholars are working to dismantle the ideological foundations of patriarchy.
This struggle for equality is not merely a fight for legal reforms; it is a broader cultural and psychological battle. To challenge the deeply ingrained myths of male superiority, society must reexamine its values, traditions, and social narratives. Education plays a crucial role in this process—by teaching critical thinking and promoting a more inclusive understanding of history, we can begin to break the cycle of social conditioning that has perpetuated gender inequality for millennia.
Moreover, political and economic reforms are essential. Ensuring that women have equal access to education, economic opportunities, and political representation is not only a matter of justice—it is a necessary step toward creating a society that values all its members equally. As more women take on leadership roles and contribute to shaping public policy, the rigid hierarchies of the past will gradually give way to more inclusive models of governance and social organization.
Reimagining the Future: Beyond Patriarchy
The challenge of overcoming patriarchy is immense, but history shows that change is possible. As societies continue to evolve, the rigid structures of state power and gender inequality can be reimagined and reformed. New political, economic, and cultural models that emphasize cooperation, equality, and shared responsibility are emerging—models that reject the outdated notion that power should be concentrated in the hands of a few.
The journey toward a more egalitarian society involves not only dismantling legal and institutional barriers but also reshaping cultural narratives. By recognizing that the myths of male superiority are precisely that—myths—we can begin to build a future in which the rights and contributions of all individuals are respected and valued.
Conclusion
The history of state formation is deeply intertwined with the rise of patriarchy—a system that has long used the myth of inherent male superiority to justify the concentration of power, the subjugation of women, and the establishment of rigid social hierarchies. From the divine claims of early rulers to the legal codes that have systematically restricted women’s rights, patriarchy has left an indelible mark on the fabric of human society.
While early states may have appeared to be the pinnacle of human organization, their legacy is one of inequality and repression—a legacy that modern democracies continue to grapple with. Yet, in acknowledging this history, we also find the seeds of change. The ongoing struggle for gender equality, driven by critical inquiry and social activism, offers a pathway to dismantle the outdated structures of power and create a society that truly values all its members.
Keep Reading:
Sophie
Sophie
Sophie
