Examples Of Patriarchal Expectations In Noah

Patriarchal expectations do not hold back Patricia’s rebellious spirit. All throughout the memoir, Noah accentuates the turmoil woman experience because of patriarchal conventions, not just through Patricia, but though multiple other women in the memoir. During Patricia’s time, societal norms lead women to ‘submit and obey’, as they were not expected of much, other than following the men in their lives. Patricia, however, went against these expectations and grew independent. She got a proper education and job, gaining ‘her independence back’ from those who wish to tear her down, just for being a woman. When meeting Abel’s family for the first time, Abel expected Patricia to ‘play her traditional role… but she refused’. This defiance is a clear

In doing so, it highlights how sharp and clever she is, unconventional traits for a woman of this time. This society that enforces these same patriarchal views, sees domestic violence as a normal, everyday occurrence. This is evident when Patricia was experiencing domestic abuse. She would report it to the police multiple times, only for them to say ‘it happens’, like it was expected. Although Patricia tried not to conform to societal expectations, she could not escape the despicable crime and violence of domestic abuse that was reinforced by the patriarchy. Thus, while the idea of what a typical woman should act like did not Patricia back, it did still however normalise the abuse and protect her abuser, disempowering just on the basis of

As a man, the patriarchy works in my favour and allows me more opportunities and freedom compared to women. Women are burdened by heavy societal pressures, while men are less constricted. I can clearly see this with the school uniform. In the summer, I am allowed to wear shorts, or pants if it gets too cold, while the girls’ summer uniform does not account for the cold, as they are only allowed to wear dresses, nothing to keep them warm. This isn't just about uniform, but a metaphor on how I, a man, get to have more privilege than woman, just because of my gender. However, that's not to say that the patriarchy still does not detrimental impact towards me. I distinctive remember a schoolyard conservation about patriarchal views. These boys came up to me and my friends who were girls, and started talking about how I shouldn’t be friends with them, just because they were girls. They were also talking about how men should only be masculine, all men should playing sports and sexist stuff like that. These boys had certain ideas and values of how men should behave, that reflect those that the patriarchy enforces. Therefore, being favoured by the patriarchy does not stop the patriarchy from having expectations of