The Tree of Humans: Patriarchy and Other Family Systems (4)

………Gender Dynamics
A traditional family is a space where masculine and feminine energies coexist in harmony. This balance is crucial for the emotional and psychological well-being of its members. The presence of both masculine and feminine influences provides a holistic environment for growth, nurturing, and support. With the change from extended integrated families to nuclear and fragmented families, the balance of masculine and feminine energy is disturbed. As families
disintegrate, the absence of a balanced masculine and feminine environment can lead to changes in individual behaviour. Men may seek feminine energy and companionship outside the family unit, driven by emotional needs and isolation prompts members to look for connections outside the home.
The sex industry capitalised on the demand for female companionship and intimacy. The sex industry commodifies intimacy and companionship, offering services that cater to the emotional and physical needs of men. The disintegration of traditional family structures and the rise of the sex industry have broader social and cultural implications. The commercialisation of intimacy can erode traditional social values and norms related to relationships and family life. The lack of a supportive family environment and the reliance on commercialised intimacy can contribute to mental health issues, such as loneliness and depression.
Port cities have historically been hubs of economic activity and migration. The transient nature of port cities, with sailors and traders frequently coming and going, created a demand for temporary companionship and intimacy. This demand was met by the establishment of brothels in these cities. Examples include New York, Charleston, and Philadelphia: These cities saw a proliferation of brothels as maritime trade expanded. Storyville in New Orleans was established in 1721, as a red-light district catered to the needs of sailors and traders. British army  established

“Cakals” (red-light areas) in military cantonments to cater to the needs of soldiers.
These areas were regulated and licensed by the authorities. Military personnel were provided with allowances to maintain mistresses. This practice was part of a broader effort to ensure the well-being and morale of soldiers.
Feminism : Feminist theory has been instrumental in analysing and critiquing patriarchy. Radical feminists, such as Shulamith Firestone and Kate Millett, argue  that patriarchy is a system of oppression that perpetuates male dominance and exploits women. They emphasise the need to dismantle patriarchal structures to achieve gender equality. Socialist feminists, on the other hand, highlight the intersection of patriarchy with capitalism, arguing that both systems reinforce each other and contribute to women’s oppression.
Feminist movements and other social justice initiatives have been working to dismantle patriarchal structures and promote gender equality. These efforts include advocating for policy changes, raising awareness about gender issues, and supporting women’s empowerment programs. Additionally, intersectional approaches recognise that patriarchy intersects with other forms of oppression, such as race, class, and sexuality, and seek to address these
overlapping systems of inequality.
The women’s revolt for equal rights began in earnest during the 19th century, with the first wave of feminism focusing on women’s suffrage and legal inequalities. Key events like the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, where the Declaration of Sentiments was signed, marked the beginning of organised activism for women’s rights.  The second wave of feminism in the 1960s and 1970s expanded the focus to include cultural and gender norms, workplace discrimination, and reproductive rights. Influential works like Betty Friedan’s “The Feminine Mystique” highlighted the dissatisfaction of women confined to traditional roles and sparked widespread activism. The feminist movement has proposed various solutions to address gender inequality and challenge traditional societal norms. One such solution is the decision by some women to refuse to have children. This choice is often made to compete in a male-dominated world and liberate oneself from the perceived ‘tyranny of the family.’ This idea gained traction during the second-wave feminist movement in the 1960s and 1970s, as women sought greater career opportunities and independence. The women’s rights movement has continued to evolve, with subsequent waves addressing issues like intersectionality, body positivity, and trans-inclusivity. Another notable event was the 1968 Miss America protest, where feminists symbolically rejected ‘symbols of oppression’ by throwing bras, girdles, and other items into a ‘Freedom Trash Can’ on the Atlantic City boardwalk. This act, often misrepresented as ‘bra-burning,’ aimed to draw attention to the restrictive beauty standards imposed on women.
Sexual promiscuity, or the idea of ‘acting like a man’ to achieve equality, emerged as part of the sexual liberation movement. This movement, which gained momentum in the 1960s and 1970s, encouraged women to embrace their sexuality and challenge traditional norms around female chastity. The concept of sex-positive feminism further supported this idea, advocating for sexual freedom and autonomy for women. Ideological lesbianism, or the notion of ‘kicking the enemy out of your bed,’ was promoted by radical feminists as a political stance against patriarchy. This idea was popularised by the Leeds Revolutionary Feminist Group in the late 1960s and early 1970s, which argued that women should reject heterosexual relationships as a means of resisting male dominance.

There is a kernel of truth in U. S. propaganda: feminism acts as a cultural solvent, as globalisation erodes the traditions of patriarchy. The left must take on board the crucial contribution of feminist ideas and activism, as we contemplate a world where alternatives to capitalism have become devalued and de-legitimised.

Marriage : Marriage is an institution of Patriarchy or Matriarchy. Marriage or Vivaha, is a significant rite of passage in Hindu culture. The Griha Sutras provide detailed guidelines on how to conduct  this important ceremony, Vivaha is portrayed in Ashvalayana Griha Sutra.
1. Preliminary Rituals: the selection of the bride and groom, the approval of their horoscopes, and seeking blessings from the elders. Certain Gotra from the father’s side and a certain number of Gotra from the mother’s side are to be avoided. This ensures the variety in the genetic pool.

2. Ceremony: The main ceremony includes several key steps.
3. Kanyadaan: The father of the bride formally gives his daughter to the groom.
4. Panigrahanam: The groom takes the hand of the bride, signifying the acceptance of responsibility for her well-being.
5. Homam: The offering of oblations into the sacred fire for blessings.
6. Saptapadi: The seven steps taken together by the bride and groom, each step representing a specific blessing, such as food, strength, wealth, happiness, progeny, long life, and friendship. The couple takes seven steps together around the sacred fire, each step representing a vow they make to each other. Here’s a detailed look at the
traditional vows associated with each step.
(i) First Step Vow: “Let us take the first step to provide for our household a nourishing and pure diet, avoiding foods injurious to healthy living.” Meaning:  This step signifies the couple’s commitment to ensuring the well-being and
nourishment of their family.
(ii) Second Step Vow: “Let us take the second step to develop physical, mental, and spiritual strength.” Meaning: It emphasises the importance of maintaining health and strength in their lives together.

(iii) Third Step Vow: “Let us take the third step to increase our wealth by righteous means and proper use.” Meaning: This step focuses on the couple’s dedication to prosperity and ethical livelihood.
(iv) Fourth Step Vow: “Let us take the fourth step to acquire knowledge, happiness, and harmony by mutual love and trust.” Meaning: It represents the couple’s pursuit of knowledge, happiness, and harmony in their relationship.
(v) Fifth Step Vow; “Let us take the fifth step so that we may be blessed with strong, virtuous, and heroic children.” Meaning: This step signifies their desire to be blessed with children and their commitment to raising them with strong values.
(vi) Sixth Step: Vow: “Let us take the sixth step for self-restraint and longevity.”

Marriage between close kin, such as cousins, has been adopted in certain societies. The reasons could be cultural, social, and economic. In some societies, women were exchanged in marriages, as a way to build trust. Close-kin marriages were thought to ensure greater compatibility, as shared customs, values, and familial bonds often facilitated a smoother integration of spouses. It merely indicates a comfort zone and a lack of trust in society as a
whole. While Islamic teachings allow cousin marriages and many communities continue the practice, it is worth noting that the frequency of such unions varies across cultures and is influenced by local traditions, economic conditions, and social norms. Modern considerations, including awareness of genetic risks associated with consanguinity, have led to awareness against cousin marriages in some regions.

The New System
The United States has seen debates over the necessity and role of marriage, particularly during cultural movements such as the 1960s and 1970s countercultural revolution. During this period, there was a growing emphasis on personal freedom, leading to an increased acceptance of cohabitation, non-traditional relationships, and alternatives to marriage. These shifts challenged the societal perception of marriage as a necessary milestone in adult life. Also, in the long run, such arrangements have not been found appropriate for women’s interests. In the
mid-20th century, marriage rates saw a decline due to cultural changes. Movements advocating for women’s liberation and LGBTQ+ rights also questioned traditional marriage norms. The introduction of no-fault divorce laws in the 1970s, beginning with California, made dissolving marriages easier, further contributing to debates on the necessity of the institution. There have been efforts to expand the legal definition of marriage, such as the legalisation of same-sex marriage. Such unions should rather be called domestic partnerships rather than a ‘marriage’.
Such marriage laws need a proper perspective.
The new proposed social system emerging from the decline of patriarchy is characterised by greater gender equality and inclusivity. This system emphasises cooperation, nurturing, and egalitarianism, often referred to as matriarchy or gender-equal societies. In these systems, women hold primary power and leadership positions, and values such as collaboration and community consensus are prioritised. The new system aims to create a more equitable and just society for all individuals, regardless of gender.
The following line is only a narrative for propaganda, “Early human societies, such as small bands of hunter-gatherers, often exhibited more egalitarian structures.” Such societies were utilitarian, totalitarian and dynamic. Egalitarianism is communist propaganda. It may be a possibility of a sexless utopian society but it is not practical for human society. Physical differences between men and women led to gender-based divisions of labour (e.g., men hunting  and women gathering), the social structure was generally more fluid, and both genders had shared responsibility for survival and growth. Women contribute more to society because they have more direct responsibility of creating life, nurturing and fostering it. Women deserve love, care, gratitude and respect for their contribution. In no way should women be compared to men because that way we are comparing humanity against itself.                                                                                                                                             ……….. (to be continued)

*Dr Satinder Singh Malik:  was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 1997 as a fighter pilot. He flew state-of-the-art Su-30 MKI fighters. He is a keen skydiver, river rafter and mountaineer.  He has climbed  several peaks including  Mt Kilimanjaro , visiitng  Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansavroar.  He was also part of mountaineering expedition to Antartica.                                                                                                              Having interest in  Science of Yoga, Pragyan Brahama  philosophy  etc.  he has written  several papers for  Scientific God journal and JCER (Journal of Consciousness Exploration and Research) and books such as Beyond Common Science, A Logic of Every  Being.                                                                 Wing Cdr.. Malik reflects on deep insights provided by his Gurus Pilot Babaji and Mahavatar Babaji.