Androcracy

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A system of governance characterized by the predominance of male leaders, often marginalizing women's roles in power dynamics
2. A political framework where men predominantly influence decision-making processes and leadership positions, frequently neglecting the input of women
3. A form of government where males predominantly hold authority and influence, often sidelining the contributions of females in political affairs

Etymology: Androcracy is a plain compound, built from the Greek combining form "andro-", meaning "man" or "male", and "-cracy", from Greek "kratia", meaning "rule" or "power". Its literal sense is therefore "rule by men", which is the same pattern that gives us "democracy" (rule by the people) and "aristocracy" (rule by the best). The word's usefulness lies in what it sets against "gynecocracy", rule by women, a term that is also built from Greek roots. Because English already had the "-cracy" model for naming systems of power, speakers could coin a precise label for a male-dominated system without needing a separate native word.