Abstract: Gender has emerged as a central pillar of social theory, evolving from early feminist activism into a complex discipline that interrogates systemic structures of power. The conceptual framework of patriarchy serves as a master concept, describing a normative order that enforces heteronormativity and rigid gendered expectations across society. Through the historical progression of feminist "waves," the focus has shifted from seeking legal equality in the public sphere to challenging the socialised roles of women and deconstructing the biological binary of sex through queer theory. Concepts such as care labour and the "third shift" of affective work highlight the gendered allocation of resources and the double burden faced by women within the capitalist economy. While intersectionality has introduced a synthetic understanding of overlapping oppressions, its radical origins are often diluted in contemporary applications. Current "Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion" (EDI) initiatives are critiqued for prioritising institutional representation over the transformative systemic change needed to dismantle the interconnected links between capitalism, racism, and patriarchal exploitation.

Keywords: #Patriarchy #GenderTheory #Intersectionality #Feminism #QueerTheory #CareLabour #HegemonicMasculinity #SocialTheory #EDI #Heteronormativity #SocialReproduction #PoliticalEconomy