Unveiling the Systems That Built Male Dominance

How Men Became the Dominant Gender: A Deep Dive into Power, Culture, and “The Narrative”

For centuries, men have held the reins of power—politically, socially, and economically. But have you ever stopped to ask, how did this happen? Was it biology, brute strength, or something more calculated? The truth is far more complex. From governments to Hollywood to global corporations, systems have been built and reinforced to position men as the dominant gender. And while society has made progress toward equality, the deeply ingrained narrative of male dominance still shapes how we live today.What if the world had been designed differently? What if the power dynamics were reversed? Let’s explore the history, the drivers, and the possibilities.

A Brief History: How Men Took the Lead

Historically, dominance was linked to physical strength. In early agrarian societies, where manual labor was the backbone of survival, men’s physical advantages often positioned them as leaders. But as societies advanced, this advantage should have diminished. Instead, patriarchal systems solidified through laws, religions, and cultural norms that kept men in power. Take ancient Greece, often hailed as the cradle of democracy. While philosophy and governance flourished, women were relegated to the private sphere. Aristotle himself wrote that women were “naturally inferior” to men. Fast forward to 19th-century Europe: industrialization created corporations and modern governments, but decision-making remained a male domain. Laws restricted women’s access to property, education, and political participation, codifying male dominance.

Stat: As recently as the 1970s, women in the U.S. couldn’t legally obtain credit cards without a male co-signer.

Hollywood: The Dream Factory That Reinforced Gender Roles

Hollywood has played an outsized role in cementing traditional gender dynamics. In the golden age of cinema, men were consistently portrayed as strong, heroic protectors, while women were cast as damsels in distress or objects of desire. Even today, blockbuster films rarely depict women as equals in leadership roles—except as token exceptions. Romantic comedies, in particular, have perpetuated a specific dynamic: the man courts, the man proposes, the man “saves” the woman in some metaphorical way. These tropes aren’t harmless—they shape societal expectations. Why, for example, is it nearly unthinkable for a woman to get down on one knee and propose marriage? Because we’ve been taught that relationships (and power dynamics) revolve around male agency.

Stat: A 2022 study found that in the top 100 grossing films, women represented only 10.2% of directors and 28.8% of lead roles.

Governments and Corporations: Gatekeepers of Male Power

For centuries, governments explicitly excluded women from power. Even as women gained the right to vote and hold office, systemic barriers remained. Today, only 28% of global parliamentarians are women, despite women making up half the population. Corporations fare no better. While women have made strides in middle management, only 10% of Fortune 500 CEOs are women (2023 Catalyst report). Boardrooms remain male-dominated, and pay disparities persist. These power structures weren’t just accidents of history; they were actively maintained through policies, networks, and the unspoken belief that men are “natural leaders.” Conspiracy or Fact? Early corporate cultures were designed around male social structures, from after-work drinks to exclusionary golf club meetings. These traditions subtly perpetuated male dominance and excluded women from critical networking opportunities.

The Narrative of Male Dominance: Who Benefits?

The systems that reinforce male dominance are self-perpetuating. Governments, Hollywood, and corporations all play a role in maintaining this hierarchy because it benefits those already in power. Men control the systems, and the systems ensure men stay in control. From a psychological perspective, humans are drawn to familiarity and hierarchy. The narrative of male dominance offers a sense of order—even if it’s outdated and unfair. It’s easier to perpetuate the status quo than to dismantle systems and reimagine society.

What Would Change if Women Ran the World?

Speculating on a female-dominated society isn’t about reversing oppression—it’s about envisioning balance and equity. Research suggests that women in leadership roles often bring collaborative, empathetic approaches to decision-making.

 • Politics: Studies show that governments with more women in leadership tend to focus on issues like healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability. For example, countries like Finland and New Zealand, led by female prime ministers, ranked among the best in handling the COVID-19 pandemic due to prioritizing science and communication.

 • Workplace Culture: Women-led companies often emphasize work-life balance and employee well-being. What if corporate structures were built around flexibility and collaboration instead of competition and hierarchy?

 • Social Norms: Imagine if women proposing marriage were the norm, or if caregiving responsibilities were equally distributed between genders. Would we see a world where relationships and families were less burdened by rigid expectations?

The Future: Moving Beyond Dominance

To dismantle these entrenched systems, we need to address the narratives that keep them alive. Education, representation, and policy change are key. But it also requires a shift in how we view power itself—moving away from dominance and toward collaboration. Psychologist Dr. Carol Gilligan suggests, “The narrative of male dominance is rooted in fear—fear of vulnerability, fear of equality. When we redefine power as shared, we create space for everyone to thrive.”

The Takeaway

Men didn’t become the dominant gender by accident; it was a combination of historical circumstances, cultural reinforcement, and systemic control. While progress has been made, the systems that maintain male dominance still thrive, subtly shaping everything from Hollywood scripts to corporate boardrooms.

The real question isn’t just what if women ran the world? It’s why haven’t we tried something different? Because until we do, we may never know what humanity is truly capable of.