Men-centered

Men-centered refers to a perspective, system, or societal structure where men's experiences, needs, and perspectives are prioritized, often at the expense or marginalization of women and other genders. This prioritization can manifest in various forms, including societal norms, legal frameworks, media representation, economic opportunities, and political power. Men-centeredness can perpetuate gender inequality, stereotypes, and biases, leading to imbalances in power dynamics and resource allocation. Critiques often highlight its role in reinforcing patriarchal systems and limiting opportunities for women.

Men-centered meaning with examples

• The company's marketing strategies were often criticized as men-centered, portraying female characters in stereotypical roles and focusing primarily on male consumer preferences. This oversight neglected a significant portion of their potential market and resulted in a backlash on social media. Many argued that this reflected a deeper issue within the organization, indicating a lack of female representation in leadership positions, further creating limitations.
• Historically, medical research has often been men-centered, focusing primarily on male physiology and neglecting the unique health needs of women. This has resulted in a lack of understanding of female-specific conditions and the development of treatments that may not be optimized for women. The shift towards inclusive research practices and studying the female body is seen as a way to overcome such bias.
• The legal system, in its early iterations, was built on men-centered principles, often failing to recognize or protect the rights of women in areas such as property ownership, employment, and legal autonomy. The ongoing struggle to achieve gender equality aims to rectify this imbalance and create a more equitable framework for all.
• Many educational materials and curricula historically presented a men-centered narrative of history, often giving little importance to women's contributions, achievements, or experiences. This limited representation has resulted in students often learning an incomplete version of the past, obscuring crucial aspects of cultural heritage and fostering an inaccurate perception of historical events.