Patriarchy, a social system where men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property, has historically shaped family structures and workplaces. However, in the contemporary context, its patterns are undergoing significant alterations, though not necessarily eradication.

In the family sphere, several factors contribute to this shift:

1. Changing Gender Roles: There's a growing trend towards more egalitarian distribution of domestic responsibilities and childcare. Men are increasingly involved in nurturing roles, while women are becoming primary or co-primary breadwinners. This challenges the traditional male provider/female caregiver dichotomy.
2. Increased Female Education and Economic Independence: Higher levels of education and greater participation of women in the workforce have empowered them economically, leading to greater autonomy and decision-making power within the family. This reduces their economic dependency on male family members.
3. Diversification of Family Structures: The rise of nuclear families, single-parent households, same-sex partnerships, and blended families challenges the traditional patriarchal, heteronormative family model. These structures often necessitate more flexible gender roles and shared responsibilities.
4. Legal and Social Reforms: Laws promoting gender equality in marriage, divorce, inheritance, and property rights have eroded some traditional patriarchal controls over women's lives within the family.
5. Shared Decision-Making: There's a move towards more democratic decision-making processes within families, where the voices of women and children are increasingly valued.

At the workplace, the alterations to patriarchal patterns are also evident:

1. Increased Female Labor Force Participation: Women are entering and excelling in diverse professions, including those traditionally dominated by men (e.g., STEM, leadership roles, military). This challenges the notion of male superiority in professional capabilities.
2. Anti-Discrimination Legislation and Policies: Laws promoting equal pay, prohibiting sexual harassment, and mandating parental leave (for both parents) aim to create more equitable workplaces and dismantle discriminatory practices rooted in patriarchy.
3. Flexible Work Arrangements: The adoption of remote work, flexible hours, and parental leave policies helps both men and women balance work and family responsibilities, challenging the traditional expectation that men prioritize work above all else.
4. Focus on Diversity and Inclusion: Many organizations are actively promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives, which include addressing gender biases, promoting women to leadership positions, and fostering inclusive work cultures.
5. Challenges to the 'Glass Ceiling': While a 'glass ceiling' still exists, more women are breaking through to senior management and executive roles, demonstrating their leadership capabilities and challenging male-dominated hierarchies.

Despite these changes, patriarchal patterns persist in subtle and overt forms, such as the gender pay gap, underrepresentation of women in top leadership, and the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work still falling on women. However, the ongoing shifts indicate a dynamic evolution where traditional patriarchal norms are being continuously questioned, negotiated, and redefined in both family and professional spheres.