'Patriarchy' is a social, cultural and even governmental system where fathers, or an older male, is in control. It can also more generally mean social, cultural or governmental systems where men are in control of women. The corresponding adjective is 'patriarchal.' The etymology of the word is the Greek word patriarkhes', meaning ruling father. Example: Patriarchal societies have been the norm throughout most of history, but during the 20th century, women began to gain more rights.