Final answer:
Patriarchy, as suggested by Gayle Rubin and supported by archaeological findings of scholars such as Marija Gimbutas, is theorized to have emerged as a means to control women's power, rather than for societal function. It is sustained through a variety of societal structures, including family roles, economic power, and institutional practices. Feminist theories and sociological perspectives such as conflict theory shed light on the gendered inequalities of patriarchy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Emergence of Patriarchy
April's disagreement with the idea that patriarchy universally fulfills a societal function is a complex topic within feminist theory. Gayle Rubin's theory suggests that patriarchy emerged not for functional reasons, but as a means to subjugate and control the inherent power of women. Nineteenth-century theories by the likes of Friedrich Engels and J.J. Bachofen postulated that societies were originally matriarchal, which feminist archaeologist Marija Gimbutas also supported, claiming Neolithic Europe was woman-centered and peaceful before being overtaken by patriarchal Indo-European pastoralists.
Modern feminist sociologists and anthropologists examine the impact of patriarchy on various aspects of life, including gender roles, poverty, and race. For instance, Patricia Hill Collins developed intersection theory, which considers the interplay of race, class, and gender, while Sharon Hicks-Bartlett observed the specific oppression experienced by women in impoverished communities. Third-wave feminists further challenge traditional gender norms, advocating for more fluid gender identities and sex-positive attitudes.
Conflict theory positions patriarchy as a struggle for dominance, where men create rules that maintain their social status above women. This theory supports the view that patriarchy is a widespread ideology that maintains male leadership in both private and public spheres. Broader than just a family framework, it extends to the systemic sidelining of women's contributions at societal levels.