Patriarchs or Feminists? Relations Between Fathers and Trailblazing Daughters in Druze Society

Control, repression, demand for obedience, and maintenance of the inferior status of women are the prevailing characteristics noted in research literature describing men in patriarchal societies, whereas descriptors such as gentleness, dedication, support and encouragement of change in female gender roles are rarely applied. The most common findings largely reflect reality, but there is also another side to the story, as presented in this study. Focusing on characteristics of fathers derived from the life stories of trailblazing Druze women, it describes the unique relationship between fathers and their daughters and the role these men played in shattering gender roles and changing the status of women in society.