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Gerda Lerner

The Creation of Patriarchy

"The Creation of Patriarchy" by Gerda Lerner is a groundbreaking and influential work of feminist scholarship that explores the historical development of patriarchy as a social system. Lerner, a renowned historian and feminist theorist, argues that patriarchy is not a natural or inevitable phenomenon, but rather a construct that has evolved over time. The book is divided into two parts. The first part provides a historical overview of the emergence of patriarchy in ancient civilizations, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece. Lerner examines the ways in which women's labor and reproductive capabilities were exploited and appropriated by men, leading to the establishment of patriarchal social structures. She also explores the role of religion, law, and education in reinforcing and perpetuating patriarchal ideologies. The second part of the book focuses on the development of patriarchy in medieval and modern Europe, and its impact on women's lives and opportunities. Lerner argues that the rise of industrial capitalism and the nuclear family further consolidated men's power and control over women, and that the ideology of romantic love served to obscure the underlying power dynamics. Throughout the book, Lerner draws on a wide range of historical and theoretical sources, including archaeology, anthropology, sociology, and literature. She also incorporates the voices and experiences of women from different historical periods and social classes, providing a nuanced and complex picture of the development of patriarchy. "The Creation of Patriarchy" is a seminal work that has had a profound impact on feminist theory and women's studies. It challenges conventional assumptions about the origins and nature of patriarchy, and offers a powerful critique of the ways in which women have been marginalized and oppressed throughout history. At the same time, it also offers a vision of a more equitable and just society, in which women's contributions and perspectives are fully recognized and valued. Overall, "The Creation of Patriarchy" is a must-read for anyone interested in feminist theory, women's history, or social justice. Its insights and analyses are as relevant and thought-provoking today as they were when the book was first published in 1986...