Margardians, given that they generally value pragmatism and combat or psychological dominance displays would generally be patriarchal through the likely combat that shaped their history. But that aggressive women could relatively easily push their way into leadership without being questioned on the basis of their gender. It's more about the psychology. This, I think, fits well into the wolf pack overtones while not ignoring the biological component--meanwhile not discounting that psychological and presence-based dominance are also valid displays.
Acknowledging a Patriarchal Lean: Starting with a generally patriarchal baseline, likely shaped by millennia of feudal society where physical combat played a large role, feels most realistic. It acknowledges the historical and biological factors that often contribute to such structures without making them absolute. It provides a grounding that feels more historically plausible than a perfectly egalitarian warrior society emerging from scratch.
The crucial Margardian twist is that Dominance is the deciding factor. While the default might lean patriarchal due to historical combat roles, the core cultural value codified in Dominus-Law is demonstrated dominance. This creates the mechanism by which traditional gender roles can be overridden in Margard, even if not the widest Imperium.
The inclusion of psychological dominance and force of presence alongside combat prowess is key in my depiction of Margard. This is critical because:
It prevents the system from being solely about brute strength, allowing individuals (male or female) with political acumen, strategic minds, intimidating personalities, or sheer willpower to rise.
It perfectly explains how Calix's older sister could hold authority. Perhaps she isn't the strongest duelist, but her political maneuvering & command presence makes her the de facto dominant force within the family's internal politics.
It aligns with real-world animal pack dynamics where social intelligence, alliances, and assertion often play as much a role as pure physical fighting.