The Structures of Patriarchy Reflected in Raja Al-Saneas:Liberal Feminism Perspective

Patriarchy is one of the feminist issues in literary works. Patriarchal system that exists in society causes a gender gap between men and women. The patriarchal system towards women characters is the main issue in Raja Al-Saneas Girls of Riyadh (2007). In this study, the writer analyzes a novel entitled "Girls of Riyadh" by Raja Al-Sanea which tells about how women live under male domination. This study aims to identify patriarchal structures under which the four women characters and to describe the four women characters win their liberation from the patriarchal structures in Girls of Riyadh (2007) by Rajaa Al-Sanea. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method. This study applied the Theory of patriarchy by Sylvia Walby( 1990) and Liberal feminism theory by Tong Rosmarie (2009). The results of this study show that there are five forms of Patriarchy. First, patriarchal relations in household production. Gamrah does all the housework. Second, Patriarchy relations in culture. There is a tradition of arranged marriages and restrictions on the right to education for women. Third, Patriarchal Relations in sexuality. Gamrah and sadeem are only used a biological satisfaction for her husband. Fourth, Male violence. Gamrah faces various types of violence, both physical and verbal. Last, Patriarchal Relations in State. Sadeem does not allowed to sign legal documents. In addition, the results show the four women characters struggle to win their liberation from patriarchal structures through continuing their education, getting a decent job and freedom to express themselves.