Patriarchal Society Essay

749 Words2 Pages

Expectations are placed on characters across cultures, time, and through, all genders. Characters in patriarchal societies experience pressures such as: ------------ This essay will argue that patriarchal societies, societies where males promote and maintain power, place social expectations on female characters. First begining with tradionalism family values and the private sphere in China with Elieen Chang to internationality with Duras *****

To begin patriarchy must be defined. The patriarchy is a social structure marked by the supremacy of the eldest male, and traditionally masculine traits. Literally translating to "rule of the father" the patriarchy has been implemented in the majority of societies around the world. With the patriarchy comes various problems: female oppression, a binary system of gender implementing of gender roles, and even male oppression, since older men hold more power than younger men. The patriarchy impacts all levels of societies read in class, from Greece, to China, to …show more content…

Through the story there are discussions of love, even confessions of love, yet in a dark humorous take, their relationship feels more like a barter. In the beginning Liusu is not looking for a fairy tale hero to sweep her off her feet, she is looking for a husband. They discuss their marriage a few time, once Liuyuan goes so far as to say Bai Liusu thinks "that marriage is long term prostitution," a point I will return to. (149) Liusu sees their marriage as a trade. Her marriage, herself for financial security. Love is not a part of it. She is simple in that way. Can she truly love him without any other choice? Women in china are often left with only one 'choice. ' However, with no other option, she is trapped. Fan Liuyan is more modern residing and growing up in England, with money for both of them. He loves her traditionalism, "Your specialty is bowing the head" Liuyan says to Liusu in one

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