Theorizing Patriarchy

Sylvia Walby's book is a new approach to the analysis of patriarchy. It is both a theoretical overview and a synthesis of research findings on the subject by both feminists and non-feminists over the last two decades. The scope of the author's discussion of patriarchial relations in western history is broad - she examines their bearing upon sexuality, violence, the state, cultural institutions, and the household, as well as employment. Having considered existing explanations of gender inequality, such as those provided by role theory, marxist and radical feminists, Dr Walby applies her own theory to answer the crucial question of what exactly it is that forms the basis of men's psychological, legal, and institutional advantage over women.