Final answer:
In a patriarchal society, male dominance is perpetuated through images of women in cultural texts, implying an accepted social hierarchy where men are superior. Literature from such societies can reinforce these ideas, as seen in critiques of works like 'The Great Gatsby.' Although reforms have been made, patriarchal influences still affect women's lives today.
Step-by-step explanation:
A pervasively patriarchal society conveys the notion of male dominance through the images of women in its texts, meaning that a society where patriarchy is deeply rooted often promotes the idea that men are superior to women, and this is reflected in the way women are portrayed in cultural and literary contexts. Patriarchy is a gender ideology that positions men in leadership roles and women as supportive subordinates, a system that has historically governed both private and public spheres of life.
Texts from such a society often depict women in ways that reinforce their subordinate status. In literary works, for example, patriarchal criticism might analyze how male authors represent female characters, which often demonstrates or perpetuates societal views of male dominance. Gretchen Panzer's examination of The Great Gatsby illustrates how patriarchal criticism can reveal the silencing of female characters like Daisy Buchanan by the narrative, underscoring discriminatory implications.
Despite progress and reforms in some societies, patriarchal structures persist, and they continue to affect the social, political, and economic realities of women's lives.