How Culture Normalises Patriarchy

Norms matter, but how exactly? What are the precise mechanisms of cultural persistence? Drawing on my qualitative research in India, Mexico, Morocco, Zambia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Italy and Turkey, I suggest 8 ways in which culture perpetuates gender inequalities:

1. Loving mothers reproduce patriarchal sons

2. Men amass advantage and expect respect

3. Concern for social approval

4. Male-dominated public spaces are seen as lecherous

5. Dissent is suppressed

6. Despondency traps

7. Cultural celebrations naturalise inequalities

8. Religion

This post focuses on persistence. My next post is on disruption.

All names have been changed to preserve anonymity.

Cover artwork is by Dinara Satbayeva.