Yes, well said. I often refer to this social system as the patriarchal dominance hierarchy because that element of bullying and coercion is so integral to it. It's a big reason there is so much push back to greater equality. Many people subconsciously (or consciously) believe that stratification is only right and necessary, and just part of a reward for being higher up the pecking order, even though that place was very often gotten through ruthlessness and not merit.

Patriarchy Isn’t A Merit-Based Hierarchy