Allan G. Johnson

In the following viewpoint, Allan G. Johnson argues that society is patriarchal and that male privilege is taken for granted. According to Johnson, the presence of this male privilege means that women and minorities are viewed as outsiders and certain issues, such as violence by men against women and the part men play in gender oppression, are consequently ignored. Johnson is a sociologist and a teacher at Hartford College for Women in Connecticut.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Johnson, when are women made invisible in society?
2. In the author’s view, how does male invisibility place responsibility and blame on the victim of gender oppression?
3. When is the only time men are described as special interest groups, according to the author"

Perhaps the most efficient way to keep patriarchy going is...