Women emancipation and human rights in "Husband", by Lídia Jorge

Abstract

In this article, we debate on the condition of women in society and their emancipation from the patriarchal system. The method used is phenomenological-hermeneutical, with qualitative approach, exploratory technique, and bibliographical procedure. The research problem is: to what extent does the domination of men manifest itself over the female subject’s body and mind with aims at hindering their empowerment through acts of violence at home? This study is justified by the need and the urgency of understanding the historical constitutions of gender identities as a social, non-natural phenomenon. The research goal is to, at first, analyze patriarchy as a mechanism of superiority for men and of subjugation, submission and subjection for women. Secondly, this paper aims at understanding women’s incorporation of patriarchal precepts as an obstacle to emancipation, confrontation and resistance to domestic violence, based on the analysis of the short story Husband (Marido), by Portuguese writer Lídia Jorge. In conclusion, corroborating the starting hypothesis of the article, it appears that patriarchy hinders the emancipatory potential of women and, therefore, of human rights in the face of domination and violence by men.