The Impact Of Patriarchy On Woman Psychological Well Being

Patriarchy is a social system that places men as dominant and disadvantages women, especially in power and decision-making. This inequality causes women to be vulnerable to stress, depression, and anxiety due to gender discrimination. To address these impacts, indepth studies and inclusive policies that support mental well-being and gender justice are needed.

Patriarchy has a significant impact on gender inequality, particularly in areas such as economics, education, and leadership. According to the World Economic Forum 2024, gender inequality in Indonesia from 2020 to 2024 remains notably high, emphasizing the urgent need for more robust measures to achieve parity. One of the primary challenges lies in the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions and strategic economic sectors. In STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), women continue to face gender stereotypes and structural barriers that restrict their participation, especially at executive levels.

Beyond impediments to education and income, patriarchy has a significant impact on how society views and behaves. It upholds strict gender norms, restricting women's freedom and enhancing male authority in areas of decision-making. This disparity sustains unequal power relations in communities, businesses, and families, resulting in settings where women's voices are frequently silenced. Moreover, cultural stigma and victim-blaming deter survivors from seeking justice, which is another way that patriarchal norms impede efforts to address gender-based violence. 

The patriarchal impact is not only seen in social and economic aspects, but also in women's mental health. Patriarchy creates social pressure originating from discriminatory and unrealistic expectations of women. This can cause various psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, and even trauma. Women who feel trapped in a narrow gender role often feel helpless and lose their identity. In addition, physical and emotional violence that often occurs in the patriarchal system adds to the psychological burden that they must face. According to (Cohen & Wills, 1985), women in discriminatory environments often have difficulty getting adequate social support, so they are increasingly isolated and vulnerable to mental disorders. 

Patriarchy has a broad impact on women's lives, ranging from the pressure of gender roles, social and economic discrimination, to serious psychological disorders. To help women overcome this impact, social support from various parties is needed. This support can be in the form of assistance from family, inclusive communities, professional intervention, to policies that support gender equality.