And yes, the patriarchy exists.
It exists in the fact that my mother, who worked for the council for countless years, is no longer entitled to her private pension. My father, who was the breadwinner in our household, hasn't lost a penny of his. But the patriarchy is affecting him as well, as a result, as they've always jointly managed their finances; Mum feels the pinch, and he feels the pinch too.
It exists in the fact that we're told, on a daily basis, if you're happy being single, there must be something wrong with you. Unless you're a man. Except, from what I know of my friends, it's the men who secretly fear the single life more than the women.
It exists in the fact that, so far, we've only had one female prime minister.
Or the cuts to domestic violence refuges.
Or the fact Rape Crisis receives NO central government funding.
Or the fact women are still doing the majority of the housework.
Or the fact donkey sanctuaries receive more in charitable donations than women's refuges.
Or the fact if my son's father demanded access, he'd get it, because, no matter how bad a father a man is, parental responsibility is very rarely removed. It's much easier to remove it from an incompetent mother.
Or the fact, in a year of a Literature course, we received 2, maybe 3 texts by women to read over the entire year.
Or the treatment of Ched Evans' survivor, even after he was found guilty.
Or the hoops women have to jump through to access abortion services, legal aid, or the waiting list for rape crisis counselling.
Or the fact, as of yet, only one female director has received an Oscar...
I could go on for hours. But every turn, I see the patriarchy staring back at me.