Schools without Patriarchy
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grades, caused trouble, and were often considered to be “bad” influences. Often times these deviant
students were prevented from learning because of their noncompliance.
Today, more and more students, parents, and educators are beginning to question our
educational system. The rash of school violence (Columbine and Jonesboro being the most chilling
examples), rising drop out rates, and the general unhappiness and apathy of students has caused some of
us to contemplate the nature of our educational system. Why are more and more students growing
indifferent towards school? Why are others becoming violent? Why do teachers believe their students
are resistant to learn? As a previous high school teacher, I too have grown discontented with the
structure of our schools, thus I have chosen to propose radical change by reconceptualizing the
traditional structure of our educational system using anarchist and feminist principles. I believe the
underlying problem with our education system is patriarchy. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to
identify how our schools are rooted in patriarchy, examine the negative impact patriarchy has on
teachers and students, and finally, conceptualize a new paradigm for our schools using anarchist and
feminist principles.
PATRIARCHY
According to Starhawk, patriarchy is “a hierarchical system that is maintained by the belief that
some people are more valuable than others” (Foss, Foss, & Griffin, 1999, p. 166). To be grounded in
patriarchy, several elements must be present including hierarchical structures, the value of external
criteria, and obedience and authority. Hierarchical structures are evident in our schools because smarter
students are more valuable than average students, teachers are more important than students, and
administrators are more noteworthy than teachers. There is a clear chain of command. Those who are
on top, the administrators and teachers, have power over those on the bottom, the students.
Administrators make decisions for teachers, and teachers then make decisions for their students. A
common phrase used by many teachers when instructing students is “I am here to teach and you are here
to learn.” Thus, commanding and obeying is equated with learning.
Convention