Philosophical Mediation Between Patriarchal Theory and Feminism: A Reflection on Igbo Society

Introduction

The inception of feministic movement of whose concept originates from the French noun ‘féminisme’ in nineteenth century has limited the cultural autocracy of patriarchy (Lawrence, 2004). Prior to the movement, the rights of women were completely caged in the prison of culture. Women were forced to accept that they are only ‘a second’ to men and as such, have limited rights (Aguzie, Umunakwe & Akaire, 2020). This supports an affirmative action which claim that the primary role of a woman is to produce children for the husband, provide physical and emotional care to the family and take care of domestic affairs while the man exacts absolute control of the entire family. By this, roles delineate rights exacted over a period of time. In the history of philosophy, discrimination against women on the basis of gender runs through the classical era down to the contemporary period. Scholars in their diverse philosophic works show societal sentiments on the status of women in every epoch. During the ancient period, women were denied access from social mainstream like politics, education, joining certain groups, participating in general affairs. Male members of every family were direct heirs in matters of inheritance and succession. Women were oppressed and marginalized during the ancient era because ancient societies particularly the Greeks consider women to be deceitful, serpentine, and also caused the downfall of men. Granting them any modicum of independence however will be more disastrous to the entire world (Meehan, 2017). Lefkowitz & Fant (1992) recount Medea (431 BC)’s complaint about the state of women in Athens, Greece:

Medea’s complaint shows that the democratic freedom of the classical Greek polis is not meant for women rather their rights are imprisoned by the authority of men - fathers or husbands. Negligence of domestic duties by women attract much consequences both legally and socially while violence or exploitation against women are not punishable. These mirror ancient patriarchal society where women possess no right at all or have fewer rights/roles when compared to male rights.