Hidden patriarchy in the era of cancel culture

In an age where the narratives of feminism and cancel culture have begun to shine light upon the darkest corners of society, one might be forgiven for believing that the chains of patriarchy are being unshackled, that the veneer of male dominance is slowly being chipped away. Yet, as we dive deeper into the waters of contemporary discourse, we find that patriarchy has adapted to the shifting landscapes of our time.

In urban India, women are breaking free from traditional roles, pursuing higher education, and carving out careers for themselves. But, concealed within the grand narrative of empowerment is the persistence of gendered norms and expectations. The hidden patriarchy manifests in subtle ways - the raised eyebrows at a woman who chooses not to marry or raise a family, the relentless scrutiny of her choices, and the insidious belief that a woman's worth is still primarily tied to her marital status and motherhood. This is subtler than female foeticide, honour killings, and forced marriages in rural areas. Even when women are educated and economically independent, the pressure to conform to traditional norms can be overwhelming. While the urban woman is educated enough to recognise these prejudices, their omnipresence and tenacity remain a formidable challenge.

The illusion of progress

At first glance, one might celebrate the strides made in the name of gender equality. The rise of feminism, the #MeToo movement, and the ubiquity of cancel culture suggest a society that is determined to hold power to account and dismantle oppressive structures. Yet, within this seemingly progressive framework, patriarchy finds fertile ground to thrive. Cancel culture, for instance, has the power to amplify voices that were previously silenced. However, it also has the propensity to punish transgressors without due process or discernment, leading to a form of mob justice. This rush to judgement can be a veiled manifestation of patriarchy, as it perpetuates the stereotype that women and other marginalised groups are incapable of nuance, agency, or forgiveness.

The myth of the progressive workplace

In the urban sprawl of India, where progress and tradition intersect, the hidden patriarchy reveals itself as a chameleon, adapting to the changing times while retaining its core oppressive nature. It thrives in the shadows of empowerment narratives, corporate gloss, and progressive rhetoric.

Women have made significant inroads into previously male-dominated professions, occupying positions of authority and influence. Yet, even within these seemingly progressive spaces, the hidden patriarchy lurks, often veiled behind a veneer of corporate etiquette. Instances of workplace harassment and discrimination remain distressingly common. Women who raise their voices against such injustices are frequently met with indifference or retaliation. The institutionalised gender pay gap, the lack of adequate maternity support, and the pervasive 'boys' club' mentality underscore the enduring influence of patriarchal norms.

The trap of performative feminism

In the age of Instagram reels, feminism has been co-opted by a performative culture. The flaunting of feminist credentials on platforms such as Tik Tok and Twitter can obscure the real work that needs to be done. This superficial feminism often reduces the struggle for gender equality to a mere trend. The hidden patriarchy here lies in the commodification of feminism. It becomes a marketable product, a means to gain followers or sell merchandise, rather than a genuine commitment to dismantling oppressive structures. In this way, patriarchy survives by cloaking itself in the very movements meant to challenge it.

The modern world has witnessed significant shifts in traditional gender roles. Women have entered the workforce in increasing numbers, challenging the long-held assumption that men are the sole breadwinners. However, the hidden patriarchy emerges in the form of the "second shift" – the unpaid domestic labour that women continue to shoulder even as they juggle careers. Moreover, the portrayal of women in media and popular culture, though more diverse than before, often hinges on a beauty-centric narrative. The pressure on women to conform to unrealistic beauty standards persists, even as feminism champions body positivity.

Cancel culture, despite its potential for justice, can also muzzle dissenting voices. The fear of being "canceled" can deter men and women from expressing unpopular opinions or engaging in nuanced discussions. This chilling effect silences not only men but also women who may hold differing views within the feminist movement. Hidden patriarchy is at work here through the suppression of independent thought. It thrives when dialogue and debate are stifled, when individuals are afraid to question prevailing narratives. To truly dismantle patriarchy, we must pierce through these veils of deception.

The "Choice" trap

Choice is a fundamental principle of feminism. Women should have the autonomy to make choices about their lives, careers, and bodies. However, the concept of choice can sometimes be misconstrued and objectified. The idea that women should embrace any choice they make, regardless of its consequences, can be exploited to justify harmful practices. For example, some argue that women in certain industries willingly objectify themselves through their career choices, such as in the modeling or entertainment industry. While it's important to respect individual choices, it's equally vital to recognize the societal pressures and systemic inequalities that often limit these choices. Celebrating the "choice" to objectify oneself can inadvertently normalise and perpetuate such objectification.

Empowerment has become a marketable product. The image of the "empowered woman" is often associated with specific lifestyle choices, fashion trends, and consumer products. Brands and advertisers capitalise on the desire to be perceived as progressive.

Empowerment through the male gaze

Even within feminist circles, there are instances where women are encouraged to assert their power and confidence by conforming to traditional standards of beauty or adopting behaviours that cater to the male gaze. The idea that a woman's worth is tied to her physical appearance or her ability to appeal to men's desires is a form of objectification. Feminism should be about challenging these conventional standards and redefining beauty and self-worth on one's terms.

Free thinking encourages open-mindedness and the exploration of diverse perspectives. However, it can also be used to reduce complex issues of gender and equality to overly simplistic or reductionist viewpoints. This reductionism can, in turn, objectify women by failing to acknowledge the depth and complexity of their experiences. For example, when discussions of feminism are reduced to catchy slogans or superficial soundbites, the nuances of gender discrimination and the struggles women face can be overlooked. This oversimplification objectifies women by stripping them of their lived experiences.

Intersectionality and marginalized voices

It is crucial to recognize the intersectionality of women's experiences. Women of different backgrounds, races, sexual orientations, and socio-economic statuses face unique challenges. Ignoring these intersectional aspects can lead to objectification by treating all women as a monolithic group with the same experiences and needs. When the voices of marginalised women are drowned out in favour of a more mainstream or privileged perspective, it perpetuates the objectification of these marginalized groups. Their experiences and struggles are minimised, reinforcing harmful stereotypes.

Unmasking the subtle objectification of women in the guise of free thinking and feminism requires a critical and introspective examination of our actions, choices, and beliefs. True empowerment and gender equality can only be achieved by dismantling objectification in all its forms, whether overt or concealed. It involves recognising that women's worth is not contingent on their appearance, buying choices, or conformity to traditional roles.