Androcracy is a term that is not commonly used in everyday language, but it is important to understand its meaning and significance. It is a term that is related to gender and power and has been a topic of discussion in various fields.
Definitions
Androcracy is defined as a system of government or society in which men hold the majority of power and make decisions. It is a form of patriarchy, which means that men hold the primary positions of power and authority in society.
Origin
The term androcracy comes from the Greek words “andro” meaning man and “kratos” meaning power or rule. It was first used in the late 19th century to describe the dominance of men in society and government.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Oxford English Dictionary, androcracy is defined as “government by men or a male-dominated society.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “a social system or organization in which men hold the power and women are largely excluded from it.”
Associations
Androcracy is often associated with gender inequality and discrimination against women. It is also linked to the concept of toxic masculinity, which refers to the harmful effects of traditional masculine norms and behaviors.
Synonyms
Other terms that are used interchangeably with androcracy include patriarchy, male dominance, and male supremacy.
Antonyms
The opposite of androcracy is gynocracy, which is a system of government or society in which women hold the majority of power and make decisions.
The same root words
The root word “andro” is also found in other words related to men, such as androgynous (having both male and female characteristics) and androphobia (fear of men).
Example Sentences
- The country’s political system was characterized by androcracy, with men holding all the top positions.
- The feminist movement aimed to challenge androcracy and promote gender equality.
- The company’s board of directors was criticized for its androcratic decision-making process.
Androcracy is a term that describes a system of government or society in which men hold the majority of power and decision-making authority. It is associated with gender inequality and discrimination against women. Understanding this term and its implications is important for promoting gender equality and challenging harmful gender norms.