Masculine-centered

Masculine-centered refers to a perspective, system, or society that prioritizes, values, and normalizes the experiences, perspectives, and needs of men, often at the expense or marginalization of women and other genders. This can manifest in various ways, from the allocation of resources and power to the construction of social norms and expectations. It frequently involves the assumption that male experiences are universal and the standard against which all others are measured. This framework can lead to gender inequality, discrimination, and the suppression of diverse voices and identities. It often reinforces patriarchal structures and contributes to the underrepresentation or misrepresentation of women and non-binary individuals in positions of authority, decision-making, and cultural narratives.

Masculine-centered meaning with examples

• In many historical narratives, societal achievements were portrayed through a masculine-centered lens, focusing primarily on male leaders and overlooking the significant contributions of women. This skewed perspective created a historical record that privileged male accomplishments while diminishing the impact of women. The narrative perpetuated a false image of history.
• The corporate world, with its historically masculine-centered work environments, can often create obstacles for women. Limited opportunities for advancement, unequal pay, and exclusionary networking practices are often a result of this centered paradigm. This makes it difficult for women to climb the corporate ladder.
• Traditional media has frequently been criticized for its masculine-centered portrayal of the world, often depicting female characters in stereotypical roles. This limited representation perpetuates harmful societal norms. These stereotypes can impact the self-perception of women and girls, by limiting the scope of potential.
• Political systems can become masculine-centered when they are dominated by male voices, lacking diverse perspectives. This can lead to policies that benefit men. This can affect women's rights and needs. The skewed priorities can create inequities for other minority genders, creating significant social disparities.