The Patriarchs: How Men Came to Rule

In her book "Invisible Women", Angela Saini explores the origins of gendered oppression, challenging universal theories and revealing the complex history of male domination from prehistory to the present. She argues that patriarchy depends on location and asks what role we all play in perpetuating it.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 29 February 2024
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Shortlisted for the Orwell Prize for Political Writing 2023


A Waterstones Book of the Year for Politics 2023


Review by Sathnam Sanghera:


"I learned something new on every page of this totally essential book."


"By thinking about gendered inequality as rooted in something unalterable within us, we fail to see it for what it is: something more fragile that has had to be constantly remade and reasserted."




In this bold and radical book, award-winning science journalist Angela Saini goes in search of the true roots of gendered oppression, uncovering a complex history of how male domination became embedded in societies and spread across the globe from prehistory into the present.


Travelling to the world's earliest known human settlements, analysing the latest research findings in science and archaeology, and tracing cultural and political histories from the Americas to Asia, she overturns simplistic universal theories to show that what patriarchy is and how far it goes back really depends on where you are.


Despite the push back against sexism and exploitation in our own time, even revolutionary efforts to bring about equality have often ended in failure and backlash. Saini ends by asking what part we all play – women included – in keeping patriarchal structures alive, and why we need to look beyond the old narratives to understand why it persists in the present.


About the Book:


"Patriarchy: What It Is, How Far It Goes, and Why It Persists" is a groundbreaking work of feminist scholarship that challenges the prevailing narratives of gender inequality. By delving into the historical, cultural, and political roots of patriarchy, Saini offers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of this pervasive social structure.


Through her meticulous research and analysis, Saini dismantles the myths and misconceptions that perpetuate patriarchy and reveals its true nature. She exposes the ways in which male domination has been reinforced over centuries, from the suppression of women's rights to the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes and biases.


Saini's book is not just a historical exploration; it is also a call to action. She challenges readers to question their own beliefs and behaviors and to work towards creating a more equitable and just world. She offers practical strategies for dismantling patriarchy, including advocating for gender equality, challenging gender norms, and supporting women's empowerment.


"Patriarchy: What It Is, How Far It Goes, and Why It Persists" is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the origins and consequences of gender inequality. It is a powerful and thought-provoking book that will inspire and empower readers to take action in the fight for a more just and equal society.


About the Author:


Angela Saini is an award-winning science journalist and author. She has written for numerous publications, including The Guardian, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. Saini's work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the John Chancellor Award for Journalism and the Royal Society of Literature's Ondaatje Prize.


In "Patriarchy: What It Is, How Far It Goes, and Why It Persists," Saini combines her expertise in science and journalism to provide a comprehensive and accessible analysis of gender inequality. Her writing is clear, concise, and engaging, making it accessible to a wide audience.


Overall, "Patriarchy: What It Is, How Far It Goes, and Why It Persists" is a groundbreaking work of feminist scholarship that offers a fresh and compelling perspective on gender inequality. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the origins and consequences of this pervasive social structure and to work towards creating a more just and equal world.

Weight: 224g
Dimension: 129 x 199 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008418144