The Patriarchs

Angela Saini’s The Patriarchs is a sweeping and illuminating examination of how patriarchal structures emerged — and how they persist today. Drawing on anthropology, history, and global case studies, Saini debunks simplistic narratives of male dominance as ‘natural’ or universal. Her writing is clear, compelling, and intellectually rigorous, inviting readers to rethink long-held assumptions about gender and power. She reveals a complex picture in which patriarchy is neither inevitable nor monolithic, but constructed and reinforced through specific political choices. The book is both scholarly and accessible, making it a vital resource for understanding the roots of inequality.