Question

Briefly explain one way the contents of the above passages demonstrate roman society was patriarchal

Answer 1

You have not included the passages but I can explain about patriarchal Roman society briefly.

MEN usually the oldest man was the father of the family. He was the one who was in charge of arranging marriages,  giving punishments and even slavery. If any of the family comitted a crime, the "alma pater" had to accept responsibility for it and had to accept the punishment.

WOMEN did the household chores and took care of the children. Only when they were older, they could have some kind of influence in helping their husbands in choosing  spouses for their children.