u/ProperSuit231

In the early history of large-scale civilizations, there are so often patriarchal political power structures, which seemingly arose independently of one another. Although there are complexities within what was considered “power” or which decisions were made by men, this trend seems to persist. As a student, I asked an anthropology professor regarding this question and she said that her inquiry in the past yielded little answer from her peers/professors.

What is this trend? Do we know why it happened? Do gendered leadership roles always appear as societies scale?

Many pieces of feminist media point to the idea that rape is inherently based in power dynamics and is a form of exerting control over another. However, from my own observations, it seems like these perpetrators are sometimes drawn to these power structures / dynamics as a rationalization / opportunity for their existing motivation to commit rape, rather than being the soil upon which the idea to rape sprouts.

Given this, I don’t understand: when considering rape as a power play, how is rape separate from sexual desire / dysregulation?

Additionally, if rape IS considered a crime of power, at what level is sexual involvement not considered an act of control? Is mental objectification of someone considered an act of control? Is sexual, non-romantic desire toward someone an act of control?