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
This is amply illustrated by UN statistics that indicate that women do more
than 60 percent of the hours of work done in the world, but earn only 10
percent of the world’s income and own only one percent of the world’s
property.
Patriarchy in Institutions in Society
An analysis of the main institutions in society shows that most are patriarchal
in nature. Family, religion, media and law are the pillars of the patriarchal
system and structure. This well-knit and deep-rooted system makes patriarchy
seem invincible and natural. Let us deal with each patriarchal institution
separately.
Family
The institution of the family, the basic unit of society, can be one of the most
patriarchal. A man is generally considered the head of the household. Within
the family he controls women’s sexuality, labour or production, reproduction
and mobility. In many families, there is a hierarchy in which men and boys are
both superior and dominant while women and girls are inferior and
subordinate.
Religion
All major religions have been created, interpreted and controlled by religious
leaders who have mostly been men. These men have defined morality, ethics,
behavior and even law and have laid down the duties and rights of women
and men and the relationships between them. Religions have influenced state
policy and continue to be a major force in most societies.
Legal System
The legal system in most countries is patriarchal. In Rwanda, although equal
rights are enshrined in the Constitution for all men and women, the law
generally favours men and economically powerful classes. For example,
women are often unable to obtain legal support because of the high cost of
lawyers and travel to the courts, and because they are not permitted to travel
there alone. Laws pertaining to family, marriage and inheritance are very
closely linked to patriarchal control over property. The Rwanda Women
Parliamentarians Forum has been responsible for amendments to the
inheritance laws to eliminate discrimination between men and women and has
plans to review all discriminatory laws.
Economic Systems and Institutions
Within a patriarchal economic system, men control the economic institutions,
own most property, direct economic activity, and determine the value of
different productive activities.
Media
The electronic and print media are very important tools in propagating class
and gender ideologies and are generally in the hands of upper-class men.
From films and television magazines to newspapers and radio, the portrayal
of both men and women is frequently stereotyped and distorted. The constant
presentation of men as superior, powerful and intelligent has consequences
for them and for society. Messages about male superiority and female
A Training Manual for Water Professionals developed collaboratively by PROTOS and SNV, 01/02/2007
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