Module 2. Theorethical Concepts of Gender - FSN Network Portal

Mainstreaming Gender into Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Programs
Module 2: Theoretical Concepts of Gender
Lesson 5: Social and Gender Analysis
24 Explain the word ‘patriarchy’ in the light of the points made by the
participants and the PowerPoint presentation. The word ‘patriarchy’
literally means the rule of the father or the ‘patriarch’. Originally it was
used to describe a specific type of ‘male-dominated family’ – a large
household which included women, junior men, children, slaves and
domestic servants all under the rule of one dominant man. Now it is
used more generally to refer to male domination and the power
relationships by which men dominate women. Patriarchy is a social
system in which men and boys are considered superior, are valued
more highly, and have more rights and more control over resources
and decision making than girls and women. In a patriarchal society,
women are kept subordinate in a number of ways.
25 Tell the participants that there are many families/households in our
country which are headed by women. Shall we call them matriarchal
families? Listen to the answers from two or three of them and then tell
them that even though a woman heads a family, it is often run by
following the same patriarchal rules and regulations, customs, values
and ideas. It is also situated within a wider patriarchal social context,
and a female headed household is usually less valued than a maleheaded
home. Discuss how society further marginalizes this type of
woman and why people perceive a woman who is heading a household
still as a burden?
26 Arrive at a common understanding of the meaning of patriarchy. Clarify
the concepts of patriarchy and gender stereotyping described in
Handout 5.3 with participants if there is any further query.
27 Distribute Handout 5.2: Insights into the Socialisation Process,
Handout 5.3 Insights into Patriarchy and Gender Stereotypes.
Review
1 Ask one male and one female participant to identify factors contributing
to inequality between men and women and conclude the session with
thanks to all.
2 Summarise the session by showing participants the learning outcomes
and checking if participants consider that these have been achieved.
Learning Outcomes for Participants
1 Participants will be able to identify the influential factors from birth
through growing up that contribute to and sustain inequality between
girls and boys, women and men.
2 Participants will recognize the terms ‘socialisation’ and ‘patriarchy’.
3 Participants will be committed to helping to change the position and
condition of men and women, boys and girls in their families, societies
and workplaces.
A Training Manual for Water Professionals developed collaboratively by PROTOS and SNV, 01/02/2007
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