Male dominance Quote by Joan Marler
““The establishment of the Greek patriarchal world shifted the previous cultural valence from the egalitarian continuity of the Old Religion to the extreme imposition of male dominance and the cult of the hero. Under this new world order, all challenges to male hegemonic systems were to be crushed. As the classicist Eva Keuls emphasizes, “the suppression of women, the military expansionism and the harshness in the conduct of civic affairs all sprang from a common aggressive impulse.” That impulse was the expression of “male supremacy and the cult of power and violence.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Ancient World: A Social and Cultural History, 2020
The shift to Greek patriarchal dominance replaced earlier egalitarian traditions with male‑focused power, suppressing women and promoting violence.
In simple terms: Greek patriarchy replaced earlier equality with male dominance and violence.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge lingering patriarchal structures.
Themes
gender
power
history
violence
culture
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
historical
critical
When to use this quote
- academic analysis
- policy reform
- education curricula
- activist movements
Key Concepts
patriarchy
hegemonic masculinity
social hierarchy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do modern institutions reflect ancient gender hierarchies?
- What steps can dismantle systemic male dominance?
A Different Perspective
Patriarchal systems can be deeply entrenched and resistant to change.
