but very few - who genuinely do not reinforce the patriarchy. But most men are sexist and do reinforce the patrriarchy through their attitudes, even if in very subtle ways. So would he challenge rape myths or sexist jokes for example if he hears them? Does he take womens opinions as seriously as men? Is he more likely to interrupt a woman than a man? Even if he does these things, he can still be a nice man and be good to you personally Shirty I think in reality it is very difficult to raise boys who dont reinforce the patriarchy. Many feminist mothers have tried and failed. We can try, but the wider culture also has a great influence on our children. I will accept the "less likely to be raped" argument, but he is more likely to be a victim of violent assault. And yes, he doies challenge rape myths/sexist jokes etc. Sio doi most of my male friends. He certainly doesn't get any praise for looking after me, he is moire likely toi be mocked than if the roles were reversed. As for your answer wrt raising boys, I'm gobsmacked. Do you have children? Do you know what the partiarchy is? It is a system whereby men as a class oppress women as a class. Why would it exist if men do not benefit from it? So if patriarchy theory can only make sense of the oppression which is specific to women, what theory Eats gives us