Describing something, such as a societal structure, product, cultural trend, or narrative, that reflects or is shaped by the perspectives, values, priorities, or biases typically associated with men or masculinity. This influence can manifest consciously or unconsciously, and it might privilege, prioritize, or disproportionately benefit men, and potentially marginalize, exclude, or disadvantage women and other genders. The degree and nature of this influence varies significantly depending on the context, industry, and historical period. Examining male-influenced aspects involves critical analysis of power dynamics, representation, and the impact on diverse populations. It's crucial to recognize that 'male-influenced' is not inherently negative, but its effects should be evaluated to ensure equity and inclusivity.
Male-influenced meaning with examples
- The video game industry has historically been considered male-influenced, often featuring protagonists and narratives centered around male characters and appealing to male interests. While there are efforts to diversify representation, the pervasive influence of male developers, designers, and target audiences has shaped the genre's conventions and content over many years. The narrative often centers around themes of action, adventure, and competition.
- Traditional corporate structures, with their hierarchical management styles and emphasis on long working hours, can be described as male-influenced, implicitly favoring employees who conform to traditionally masculine work patterns and expectations. This structure frequently overlooks the needs of employees with childcare responsibilities or other commitments, impacting work-life balance and making career advancement more challenging for women.
- Much historical art and literature reflects a male-influenced worldview, often portraying women as secondary characters, objects of male desire, or supporting figures within male-driven narratives. This perspective shaped cultural understandings of gender roles and relationships, impacting subsequent creative endeavors. Analysis exposes hidden biases and provides an opportunity to reassess historical perspectives.
- Certain types of sports and athletic competitions are considered male-influenced due to their origins in male-dominated activities, regulations and structures, and persistent gender-based pay discrepancies. This frequently leads to limited recognition for female athletes, narrower coverage in the media, and disparities in funding and resources, hindering growth and participation.