Male-bias

Male-bias refers to a preference, prejudice, or systemic discrimination in favor of men and/or masculinity, often at the expense or detriment of women and/or femininity. It can manifest in various forms, including unconscious biases, overt sexism, and institutional structures that privilege men. This bias can influence everything from hiring practices and salary negotiations to the portrayal of genders in media and the allocation of resources. It’s frequently rooted in societal expectations and traditional gender roles. It can also manifest as a resistance to challenges to patriarchal norms and hierarchies, impacting both personal and professional settings. It often operates subtly, making it difficult to identify and dismantle without careful examination.

Male-bias meaning with examples

• The company's lack of female representation in leadership roles was identified as a potential sign of male-bias in their hiring and promotion practices, warranting an investigation into their policies. The review aimed to identify areas where unconscious biases might be influencing outcomes, thereby impeding gender equality.
• Critics argued that the historical textbooks exhibited male-bias by disproportionately focusing on male figures and achievements, neglecting the contributions of women and overlooking significant events and figures of female participation in history, thus distorting the complete narrative.
• The design of the new software, with its predominantly male-oriented interface and lack of customization for female users, raised concerns about male-bias in its development, leading to demands for a redesign that could include more perspectives of women.
• The funding allocation for scientific research showed male-bias, with a significant disparity in resources directed toward areas historically associated with male interests, hindering opportunities for female researchers and female-led projects, highlighting areas of underrepresentation.
• The prevalence of male-bias in the entertainment industry, specifically in casting decisions and the types of characters portrayed, created stereotypes and limited opportunities for women actors and female narratives, perpetuating the problem in society.