Patriarchal bargain

The term patriarchal bargain describes the strategies women employ to gain a greater degree of security and autonomy within the bounds of their sex-based oppression.

The term was coined by Turkish author and researcher Deniz Kandiyoti in her 1988 article, "Bargaining with Patriarchy", which appeared in the September issue of Gender & Society.

The latter is presented as one end of a continuum at which women retain a relatively high level of autonomy by participating individually in rice-growing schemes and trade.

The patriarchal bargain of sustained "submissiveness and propriety" made over the course of her life produces rewards in the form of authority, affection, and approval.

For example, women embraced and sought to enforce Khomeini's reforms under the notion that enthusiastic adherence to patriarchal norms would manifest the "implicit promise of increased male responsibility".