Why patriarchal structures are real, even if you don't want to see them
There's hardly a word that triggers defensive reactions as reliably as "patriarchy." For some, it's a sober, analytical term; for others, it sounds like a personal attack on the entire male world or an outdated concept from the 70s that simply shouldn't play a role anymore. But anyone who believes patriarchy has been overcome is confusing progress with completion. Equality isn't a state that can be achieved once and then checked off a list. It's a process, and (unfortunately) a rather incomplete one.
Therefore, let's make one thing clear right from the start: Patriarchy is NOT a synonym for "men are bad." It describes a historically developed power structure that determines who gets a voice, whose work is considered valuable, and whose body is socially commented on, moralized, or regulated. And therein lies the problem: These structures seem so natural that many don't even recognize them as structures. Those who are used to the world being built around their own perspective quickly take it for granted. But normality is often just well-disguised culture.
Invisible does not mean finished.
Modern patriarchal patterns no longer wear helmets and clubs; they come in the form of business casual attire, progressive self-images, and the phrase, "Well, I don't see any inequality there." But if true equality were achieved, we wouldn't have to see the same figures year after year: women earn less on average, have fewer opportunities for advancement, and are less frequently represented in political decision-making positions. At the same time, they are judged more harshly on their appearance, more critically on their behavior, and more often held responsible for situations in which they are victims, not perpetrators.
This form of patriarchy is not loud, but persistent. It doesn't hide in laws, but in everyday life: in meeting dynamics, family structures, dress codes, safety debates, and expectations of "correct" behavior. The fact that it's not always visible doesn't mean it's gone, but rather that it's functioning successfully.
Why men are also imprisoned
Patriarchal structures favor men in terms of power, but they punish them emotionally. So heads up, feminism also fights for the three-legged members of our society. The ideal of the strong, unshakeable provider sounds nice on paper, until you realize what it means: no weakness, no fear, no tears, no avoidance . Men are expected to perform, function, and persevere, with fatal consequences: men die earlier, commit suicide more frequently, and seek help far less often. Not because they aren't allowed to, but because they are taught from an early age that they shouldn't. The patriarchy grants men external privileges while depriving them of internal freedom. It's a deal that ultimately benefits no one.
Women lose structurally and daily
While men are destroyed by harsh treatment, women lose opportunities, time, money, and autonomy. They bear the brunt of unpaid care work, are disproportionately represented in lower-paying sectors, are underrepresented in leadership positions, and are constantly evaluated based on criteria that have very little to do with competence.
Patriarchy is not a criticism of men. It's a system that affects everyone , just on different levels. Men lose their humanity, women lose their freedom, and both lose potential. Anyone who is serious about equality must question structures instead of simply trivializing them with arguments. The path to true equality is not about disempowering men, but about distributing power more fairly and changing the norms that keep us all down.
Making change visible
No Shit Shirts aims to do just that: make visible what many would rather not talk about. Our designs bring the patriarchy out of obscurity, not to create enemies, but to spark conversations. Because social change begins in people's minds. And sometimes with a T-shirt that says: "We're not finished yet, but we're starting to talk about it."
Takeaways
- Patriarchy is not hatred of men: The term describes a historical power model that creates systematic inequality.
- Invisible does not mean disappeared: Subtle patriarchal structures are at work in everyday life, even if they are not always obvious.
- Men suffer too: Patriarchal role models put men under pressure, restrict emotional freedom and negatively impact their mental health.
- Women lose out structurally: Women are systematically disadvantaged in terms of pay, career opportunities, care work and social evaluation.
- Awareness creates room for action: equality means recognizing mechanisms, distributing power more fairly and questioning social norms, not demonizing men.
Sources (as of December 13, 2025):
Leibniz Gemeinschaft - Lange galt: Bei den Primaten haben die Männchen das Sagen. Doch neue Forschungsergebnisse widerlegen diese Annahme.
Destatis Statistisches Bundesamt - Zeitverwendung
Bundesamt für Statistik - Unbezahlte Arbeit
Hans Böckler Stiftung - Unbezahlte Arbeit – Frauen leisten mehr
Hans Böckler Stiftung - Gleichstellung beginnt im Kopf
Friedrich Ebert Stiftung - Patriarchat
Bundesamt für Bildung, Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend - Gleichstellungsberichte der Bundesregierung
Destatis Statistisches Bundesamt - Gender Pay Gap
