Power and Subordination in the Socio-Legal Dimension of Gender

The concept of power and subordination within the socio-legal dimension of gender refers to the ways in which legal frameworks, social norms, and institutional practices define and perpetuate gender-based inequalities. It examines how the law is used to reinforce, sustain, or challenge power imbalances between genders, particularly in patriarchal societies where men hold more power over women and gender minorities. This socio-legal approach considers how legal structures—ranging from legislation to enforcement practices—intersect with societal gender norms to either uphold or disrupt patterns of subordination.

1. Legal Frameworks and Gender Equality

Legal systems often reflect the power dynamics present in society, and gender equality or inequality is shaped by the ways laws are drafted, interpreted, and enforced.