The patriarchy is a term used by feminists and historians to describe the gender-based system of hierachy in society. Men are in aggregate more powerful than women. Feminists recognize much of human society as patriarchal, and deem it oppressive of women and others not perceived as male or receiving male privilege.
Some feminists and anti-oppression activists prefer to analyse gendered power relations in terms of kyriarchy and/or intersectionality, finding "patriarchy" too focussed on gendered societal power at the expense of other intersecting oppressions. Others prefer to continue using the term when discussing gendered oppression.
Related concepts Androcentrism Gender binary Privilege Further reading Why no one should use that word: Kyriarchy instead of Patriarchy
Some feminists and anti-oppression activists prefer to analyse gendered power relations in terms of kyriarchy and/or intersectionality, finding "patriarchy" too focussed on gendered societal power at the expense of other intersecting oppressions. Others prefer to continue using the term when discussing gendered oppression.