11/11/2025
Downsides of Patriachy
Patriachy is deeply rooted among some Igbo communities in Nigeria, while traditional, presents several significant and widely studied challenges, particularly for women and overall societal development.
​Some significant disadvantages of it include;
​The Marginalization and Subordination of Women
​Gendered Roles and Sphere of Influence: Women are often primarily confined to the domestic sphere (housework, childcare), while men dominate the public sphere (political decision-making, economic control). This relegation can restrict women's mobility and influence outside the home.
​Exclusion from Decision-Making: Despite the historical existence of powerful women's institutions (like the Omu or Umualu in some areas), formal political and communal leadership remains largely the preserve of men (Igwe/Eze and Councils of Elders), meaning women's voices on community issues may be marginalized.
​Reinforcement of Inferiority: Cultural adages and socialization patterns often reinforce the notion of male superiority and female submission, which can lead to lower self-esteem and reduced ambition for girls and women in politics and business.
​The Denial of Property and Inheritance Rights
​Land and Wealth Exclusion: In most patrilineal systems, women are traditionally denied the right to inherit land or significant family wealth from their father's lineage. This is often based on the assumption that they will marry out and become part of another family.
​Economic Dependency: The lack of independent access to productive resources, like land, makes women more economically dependent on their husbands or male relatives, which limits their financial autonomy and bargaining power.
​Widowhood Practices: In some instances, widows can face harsh cultural practices, including being denied control over their deceased husband's property, further eroding their economic security.
​The Barriers to Social and Personal Development
​Early Marriage and Education: Patriarchal priorities can lead to the withdrawal of the girl-child from school for early marriage, severely limiting her access to formal education, skills acquisition, and self-development.
​Vulnerability to Violence: The entrenched notion of male dominance and control can contribute to the tacit acceptance or condoning of domestic and sexual violence against women within the family structure.
​Psychological Impact: Being constantly treated as subordinate and having their life choices (like career or marriage) heavily dictated by male relatives can lead to psychological stress, low confidence, and a feeling of powerlessness.
​The Societal and Developmental Hindrance
​Brain Drain and Underutilization of Talent: By limiting women's opportunities in leadership, business, and education, the society is effectively underutilizing the talents and potential of half its population, which slows down overall community and national development.
​Perpetuation of Gender Inequality: The patriarchal system sustains and regenerates gender-unequal structures across all sectors of society, making it difficult to achieve modern goals of equity, good governance, and human rights.
​The struggle in contemporary Igbo society is often about balancing these traditional structures with modern principles of human rights, gender equality, and inclusive development.
Photo credit: Teen Vogue
African Tales by Kandey
