Final answer:
The statement that men dominate most family affairs in a patriarchal family is true. Patriarchy has historically positioned men as heads of households and societal leaders, a pattern observed across various cultures and historical periods.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement in question is true: in a patriarchal family, most family affairs are dominated by men. Patriarchy is an organization of society where men, usually the eldest male in the household, have authority and governance over family affairs, including controlling resources and making important decisions. This system extends beyond the family, with men assuming leadership roles in the larger society. In many historical and cultural contexts, this male dominance is reinforced by economic, legal, and social structures.
In societies structured by patrilineal descent, such as those in rural India, the family hierarchy is clear: men are the heads of households, and their authority extends to their wives and children. The division of labor typically aligns with this hierarchy, with men engaging in activities outside the home and women being responsible for domestic duties, although there may be some overlap in roles such as agricultural work.
Throughout history, examples of patriarchy include Roman family life with the paterfamilias, Hindu traditions fostering male dominance, and the antebellum South in America where men, especially wealthy planters, exercised complete authority within their households. Despite differing opinions on the current state of patriarchy, evidence suggests that its influence persists in many societies today, affecting gender and power dynamics.