A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

How is Walby's concept of UK patriarchy characterized?

1. Private rather than public domination

2. Dominated by women in leadership

3. Public rather than private exploitation

4. Dependent on historical contexts only

The correct answer is: Public rather than private exploitation

Walby's concept of UK patriarchy emphasizes that patriarchy operates through public domains such as the workplace, political institutions, and education systems, rather than merely within the private sphere of the home. This public domination reflects how societal structures and institutional practices systematically privilege men over women, creating inequalities that manifest in various ways, including economic disparities and lack of representation in leadership positions. This emphasis on public rather than private exploitation highlights the broader societal structures that maintain gender inequalities, indicating that while personal relationships do play a role, it is the larger public institutions that uphold patriarchy. These include laws, workplace norms, and cultural expectations that shape the lived experiences of individuals, particularly women, in their professional and public lives. In contrast, the other options highlight aspects of gender dynamics that do not align with Walby's view of patriarchy. The notion that patriarchy is primarily private overlooks the significant influence of public policies and institutions in perpetuating gender inequality. Similarly, the idea that women dominate leadership contradicts the evidence pointing to the underrepresentation of women in positions of power. Lastly, approaching patriarchy as solely dependent on historical contexts fails to recognize the ongoing and active structures that perpetuate gender oppression in contemporary society.