Enloe exposes the patriarchal structures in global political and economic systems. Seeking to make women’s contributions to these structures visible, she argues that women can choose to resist rather than sustain these structures. Enloe highlights how men’s dominance in powerful positions and women’s overrepresentation in low-wage positions increase men’s wealth and power. As of 2024, patriarchal structures remain stubbornly in place despite some gains for women.

According to the organization UN Women, as of June 1, 2024, just 18 countries had a woman as head of state, which is typically a ceremonial role, and 15 had a woman as head of government, which is usually the top executive officer. In only 15 countries did women hold 50% or more of executive cabinet positions. Only 26.9% of legislators in single or lower houses were women. In 21 states, women held less than 10% of these positions, and in only six countries did they hold 50% or more of these seats. As of 2023, according to Fortune magazine, women accounted for 30% of board members, 22% of executives, and 27% of senior management positions. Of the Fortune 500 companies, only 53 had women as chief executive officers (CEOs). In the banking sector, which Enloe highlights as one in which women are particularly underrepresented, just 10.