A patriarchal society is one that:

• A. Favors females over males.
• B. Favors males over females.
• C. Treats all genders equally.
• D. Eliminates social hierarchy.

Answer: (B)

Patriarchy is a social system in which men hold primary power and dominate in political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property. In such a system, social structures and norms tend to favor men and place disadvantages on women. That’s why the statement that a patriarchal society favors males over females best captures what patriarchy means.

Favorable treatment of females over males would describe a different pattern, often called a matriarchy. Treating all genders equally would describe gender equality, not a system built on male-centered power. Eliminating social hierarchy would point to an egalitarian or utopian arrangement, rather than a system structured around male dominance.