Patriarchal Bargain

A patriarchal bargain refers to the strategies women adopt within a society structured by male dominance, where they accept certain limitations to gain some benefits or reduce risks. Essentially, women may accept traditional gender roles or restrictions to secure safety, social acceptance, or personal advantage. While these compromises help navigate a male-centered system, they often reinforce the very inequalities and power imbalances they aim to address. The concept highlights how women’s choices are shaped by, and can perpetuate, patriarchal norms rather than directly challenging them.