Childhood Quote by Marilyn French
“All patriarchists exalt the home and family as sacred, demanding it remain inviolate from prying eyes. Men want privacy for their violations of women... All women learn in childhood that women as a sex are men's prey.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Feminine Mystique? Marilyn French, 1975
Patriarchal societies protect the family as sacred while hiding gendered oppression; women are conditioned to be seen as prey.
In simple terms: Society hides gender oppression behind family ideals.
Key Takeaway
Question and challenge patriarchal narratives.
Themes
gender
patriarchy
family
power
oppression
Mood
critical
determined
Type
activist
philosophical
When to use this quote
- education
- policy making
- relationship dynamics
Key Concepts
feminist theory
social conditioning
Questions to Reflect On
- How does family idealization conceal inequality?
- What steps can dismantle gendered power structures?
A Different Perspective
Changing deep-rooted beliefs is difficult.
