The Patriarchs: How Men Came To Rule by Angela Saini is a groundbreaking work of political nonfiction that delves into the complex origins of male dominance across societies. Shortlisted for the Orwell Prize for Political Writing 2023 and selected as a Waterstones Politics Book of the Year, this bold investigation challenges long-held assumptions about patriarchy. Saini, an award-winning science journalist, takes readers on a global journey—from the world’s oldest human settlements to modern political systems—drawing from archaeology, science, and history to piece together a nuanced understanding of how patriarchal structures formed and endured.
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all explanation, The Patriarchs highlights the cultural diversity of gender dynamics and how patriarchy took shape differently depending on the region and era. Saini explores why even well-intentioned movements for gender equality often face backlash, and poses tough questions about the roles that both women and men play in sustaining gendered power imbalances.
