The patriarchal idea is something I take particular exception to. Here in the U.K the head of state is who? That's right... The Queen. A woman - every new law has to go before her in the final stages before introduction in something called 'royal assent'. As such it is perfectly reasonable to argue we already live in a matriarchal society as she has the final say - something all to often over looked, but I won't go into it now.

The feminist movement have claimed that women have been oppressed by patriarchal systems throughout history. This type of system by implication advantages men over women, but really - what is the evidence for this? Nathanson and Young (2006) describe this 'patriarchal oppression' view as the feminist conspiracy theory of history, and if you spend a few moments to think about the traditional roles of men and women you can see why:

Men traditionally have:

1/ Had to go out to work in dangerous or stressful jobs e.g. coal mine.

2/ Been drafted to fight wars, unless already a professional soldier.

3/ Not had much chance to be with their children as they grow up.

4/ Emotions have been discouraged ('boys don't cry' etc) e.g. men can be shot for cowardice in wartime.

5/ Education for some in the privileged classes (exam pressure, 'exciting' library books etc)

Women have had to:

1/ Clean the home, which is repetitive, low skilled.

2/ Bring up the children. Taking care of infants can be stressful.

3/ Accept that expressing emotions is ok (e.g. cry etc) but not expressing opinions on politics etc

4/ Have had crafts (e.g. embroidery or music) instead of education.

Can it be so easily said that women have been slaves and men their oppressors? Or does it look more as if they both have roles that oppress them in different ways (although women have never been compelled to engage in military combat). I'll leave you to decide.

The reason females are outperforming males right now is mainly due to the changes brought in through the late 80's and early 90's to address the poor standard girls were achieving in education. The result of this was the introduction of a coursework element to the qualification. There has gradually been a greater reliance on this element over the exam structure which tends to favour males. I am not detracting from the achievments of the girls who gain these qualifications, merely trying to offer a balanced perspective on the reasons for the dramatic increase over the years.

You must also understand that men often turn their backs on the 'dream jobs' for the prospect of a higher paying job - while there is probably much more work and academic knowledge required to complete a degree in social science; the prospects of earning as much as even most trades men are pretty limited (unless you manage to get published, of course).

I think, personally, society should be governed by those who society see fit to do the job, be they man or woman..... we live in a democaracy after all and there are greater qualities which we should judge our leaders on than what level of education they hold (integrity, honour, desire to serve the people etc). It may surprise you to know we've had Prime Ministers who weren't university educated (John Major left school with no formal qualifications).

On the subject of women being "breadwinners"; it's something I'm tottally in favour of and have benefited from, I spent two years looking after, getting to know my son - something never really afforded to fathers - as a result of my wife wanting to continue her career. To be honest, I was earning more than her but we managed o.k and she works in I.T support so needed to keep her fingers on the pulse of the industry if she ever wanted to go back into it.

Being breadwinner does not make you head of the family, however. All that does is mean you pay for the stuff the family needs. I think women have done a pretty good job of convincing us it does over the years but ultimately the stay at home parent is the one making the rules; it's their workplace, they organise the furniture and decide what the family is going to eat, if the house is going to be tidied etc. on the basis of the actual influence one has in the setting; the real head of the house is actually the stay at home parent and often the working parent can feel just as ill at ease in their own home as you would visiting your partners place of work - I've shouted to my wife not to tread mud through the kitchen, not to leave glasses on the coffee table etc etc. but then you see I have a rare perspective as a man who has seen both sides of the equation.