The persistence of the Patriarchy. Socio-legal analysis on the deinstitutionalization of the patriarchal nuclear family and the new forms oppression of women in the 21st century

Abstract

The aims of this paper are to analyse the changes of the patriarchy during the 21st century and the last decades of the 20th century in Spain and to identify
the main areas of women’s discrimination and the elements of patriarchal oppression in the Spanish case. Through a socio-legal perspective, this study reviews the empirical and theoretical research about the topic addressed. In recent decades in Spain, family law has been modified and certain level of formal equality has been achieved. Nevertheless, the oppression of women is still present, patriarchy has adapted to those changes: the economic and sex-affective exploitation of women and the ideology of male superiority persists and sexual violence is one of the main mechanisms of patriarchal control. In short, patriarchy has evolved and it persists in the 21st century, it has a solid material base, a misogynist ideology present in Spanish society and the enough mechanisms to ensure the perpetuation of gender roles.