Kyriarchy
/ˌkɪəriˈɑːrki/noun
A system of interlocking social structures in which people are governed or dominated by a ruling authority or “lord.”
Did you know?The term was coined by feminist theologian Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza to describe overlapping systems of domination beyond gender alone, including class, race, colonialism, and religion.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
kyrios
“Lord, master, or one possessing authority”
Ancient Greek
Greek
archē
“Rule, authority, government, or origin”
Late Greek
Greek
kyriakos
“Belonging to the Lord; this form later contributed to English church through Germanic languages”
1992
English
kyriarchy
“A modern feminist theological term coined by Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza for systems of domination organized around ruling lords or masters”
Modern English
English
kyriarchy
“Interlocking structures of domination in which authority is concentrated and hierarchically enforced”