is a system of society characterized by the dominance of males over females, manifested and institutionalized throughout public and private life.  Under patriarchy, women are denied equal access to power and self-determination, while men hold the power in most societal institutions. 

are the concrete and practical needs women and men have for survival and economic advancement, which do not challenge the existing sexual division of labour, legal inequalities, or other aspects of discrimination due to cultural and social practices. Meeting practical gender needs in development programs may include the provision of services such as clean water, shelter and health care, as well as income generating opportunities.

is a manner of combining theory and action that recognizes that both are necessary to socio-political change, and furthermore that theory can determine and define action, and action can reshape the formulation of theory.

refers to support of the cause of feminism without implying that the supporter is a member of the feminist movement. The term is most often used in reference to men who are actively supportive of feminism and of efforts to bring about gender equality.

is a social movement based on the work Sigmund Freud and his psychoanalytic theories. It maintains that gender is not biological but is based on the psycho-sexual development of the individual. Psychoanalytical feminists believe that gender inequality comes from early childhood experiences, which lead men to believe themselves to be masculine, and women to believe themselves feminine. It is further maintained that gender leads to a social system that is dominated by males, which in turn influences the individual psycho-sexual development.

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