Describing a product, service, viewpoint, or narrative that primarily caters to, or emphasizes the interests, experiences, and perspectives of men, often to the exclusion or marginalization of women or other genders. This focus can manifest in content, marketing, product design, and even in societal norms. It typically prioritizes male preferences and values, sometimes implicitly, sometimes explicitly, and may overlook the needs and viewpoints of individuals outside of this demographic.
Male-focused meaning with examples
- The action movie was criticized for its male-focused storyline, relying heavily on explosions and fistfights, with female characters relegated to passive roles or romantic interests. Its marketing campaign also targeted primarily male audiences, portraying stereotypical masculine ideals of strength and dominance. This caused it to not have a wider appeal.
- Many online gaming platforms have been identified as having a male-focused design, featuring avatars and game mechanics that appeal more to men, alongside hostile online environments. Some games also promote a culture that is unwelcoming to female players, leading to a lack of diversity and exclusion for those who don't fit this demographic.
- Advertising often displays male-focused messages with the aim of selling products such as cars, tools, and sports equipment. These adverts frequently use hyper-masculine imagery and language, assuming the consumer is male. This can create a narrow scope, and miss the chance to target other consumer segments.
- Historically, medical research has been male-focused, with clinical trials disproportionately involving men. This has resulted in a lack of understanding about how certain illnesses affect women, and thus less effective treatment options. This oversight has led to disparities in healthcare outcomes.