AntiSocial

Other

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

AntiSocial_Podcast_3000x3000.jpg

BBC Radio 4 LW

AntiSocial: Barbie and the patriarchy

Barbie and the patriarchy

BBC Radio 4 - AntiSocial, Barbie and the patriarchy

What is 'the patriarchy' and does it still exist in the UK today?

The Barbie movie’s portrayal of the patriarchy has triggered debate about whether the UK today is a society dominated by men.

What is 'the patriarchy' and does it still exist in the UK today?

The Barbie movie’s portrayal of the patriarchy and a world in which men have all the positions of power has triggered debate on social media around whether the UK is a patriarchal society. 

According to Barbie's friend Ken, patriarchy is when “men on horses run everything”. According to history, Marxist scholars first described the patriarchy as a system that favoured men over women and characterised it as integral part of the capitalist system. 

Years later, in the 1970s, it became a focal point for feminist activists who campaigned for equal rights and representation for women. In Britain today, though, when many of the laws that gave more power to men have been overturned, is there still a system in place that gives men more power than women? Is the word useful? 

We explain the history of the phrase and fact-check the ways in which people across the debate measure gender equality.

Contributors:
Charlotte Proudman, campaigner and barrister specialising in gender based violence cases
Mike Bell, creator of the website Equi-law which researches disadvantages experienced by men and boys 
Lucy Delap, Professor of Modern British and Gender History at the University of Cambridge 
Kelly Beaver, CEO for UK & Ireland at Ipsos

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Discussion & Talk

Podcasts

Factual

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Peace talks for the culture wars. In an era of polarisation, propaganda and pile-ons, Adam Fleming helps you work out what the arguments are really about.

Peace talks for the culture wars.
In an era of polarisation, propaganda and pile-ons, AntiSocial offers an alternative: understanding, facts, and respect. Each week, Adam Fleming takes on a topic that's generating conflict on social media, blogs, talk shows and phone-ins and helps you work out what the arguments are really about.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

AntiSocial

Barbie and the patriarchy

Genres

Series

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4