wifeism means A patriarchal societal tendency whereby women can only achieve things as the wives of men of rank. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 82 out of 100.
Why “wifeism” is a great word
WIFEISM — [Noun] A patriarchal societal tendency whereby women can only achieve status or influence as the wives of prominent men. From wife (a married woman) + -ism (forming nouns of practice or doctrine). Unlike feminism, which advocates for intrinsic equality, or nepotism, which denotes broad kin-based favoritism, wifeism is the specific, systemic trade of autonomy for reflected glory. It is the ceremonial wave from the steps of an official residence, the charitable foundation bearing his name, and the enduring biography that begins with “she was the wife of…”—a confinement gilded as privilege, a borrowed light that only illuminates the giver.
Etymology
From wife + -ism.
noun
- A patriarchal societal tendency whereby women can only achieve things as the wives of men of rank.“In this chapter I examine the emergence of wifeism and the bureaucratization of women's concerns in Nigeria through state involvement, especially since the early 1980s.”