The Independent Commission for Human Rights 1. Palestinian Society and the Patriarchal System Arab societies in general and Palestinian society in particular are characterized by a patriarchal structure which forms a social and psychological system predominating the family, tribe, society and authority in the Arab world. The relationships within this system are characterized by a hierarchical order that is based on tyranny and irrational submission, and these contradict the values of a modern civil society and human rights. Patriarchal society evolved and continued due to a set of historical, social and cultural conditions throughout historical stages and interconnected socio-economic configurations where each stage connects with a transitional stage preceding it until it reaches the modern patriarchal system18. Al-Heideri and al-Sharabi believe that the patriarchal system dominates social, cultural, economic and political relationships that are based on tribal, sectarian and local loyalties. Traditional social and customary standards that marginalize and undermine women are well entrenched because this system is generally evolved from a desert environment and the tribal loyalties that come with it, influencing the structure of culture, society and overall behavior19. The family in the patriarchal system is considered to be the primary and indivisible social constituent of the tribe structure. It promotes patriarchal control over the family, men’s control over women and boys’ control over girls, so that the discourse, orders and decisions of the father remain dominant20. The relationship between the master and the subjects in the family, tribe, sect, society and state is “hierarchical” and a form of patriarchal control which determines control and submission in the family and the society. Sharabi considers this type of relationship to be unfair and unequal, lacking balance between the parties and any concept of partnership, whether between master and his subjects, father and sons, or father and daughters. It is based on the concept of safeguarding the right of the family at the expense of the rights of the individuals within it, giving males an advantage with optimal consideration at the expense of the fragile members who have no power in a patriarchal context21. In light of patriarchal systems, social conflicts and psychological trends which favor or promote the role of males and undermine females in general, this can be understood as a form of primogeniture, whereby the eldest son is entitled to become an authority figure over his sister, even if she is older and more educated. This authoritarian relationship flourishes from homes to schools, factories and institutions and more, no matter if it takes place at the administrative, security or military arenas. It is reflected in the legislation, laws and policies which derive from the hierarchical structure of authority and administration 18 al-Heideri, 2010 . “Patriarchal Society and Its Impact on the Family, Society and Authority”, electronic magazine Elaph (London; date of entry,1-10-2012). www.elaph.com\web \ opinion\2010\10\607072.html. 19 Sharabi, 2000. The Patriarchal System and the Problem of Arab Society Backwardness (Nilson House), p.153; see also al-Heideri. 20 “ Sharabi & al-Heideri, 2010 .“Patriarchal Society and Its Impact on the Family, Society and Authority”, electronic magazine Elaph (London; 1-10-2012). 21 20 “Sharabi, 1991. Introduction to the Study of Arab Society , pp. 25-45.