Introduction

Relations between the sexes are among the most fundamental human relations: they are necessary for the continuation of the species. In this sense men and women rely upon each other and are mutually dependent, which however does not mean that power relations between them are in a state of balance. On the contrary, in almost all known human societies men enjoy supremacy over women. Although women do possess certain power resources, men managed to acquire their superior power position early in human history and have maintained it through the ages.

Yet, in the course of time power ratios between the sexes have become less unequal. This development has not been linear but has moved in spurts and regressions, and has followed different directions in various spheres of life. It is a process which takes place in various fields of life and on various levels: in intimate relations, in the economy of feelings, in the course of state formation, in legislation and in economic developments. The part-processes which make up this process are not independent of one another, and should be rather viewed as an interrelated whole. As we shall see, Elias's concept of ‘figuration’ and his model of established–outsiders relations seem to throw light on the problematic of gender relations.

The riddle of male power

In most known societies, the power ratio leans towards the advantage of males.