Describing a situation, environment, or role where men are favored, either explicitly or implicitly, over women or other genders. This preference can manifest through various means, including biased hiring practices, promotional opportunities, social expectations, or the allocation of resources. It often results in unequal representation and disadvantageous conditions for non-males, reflecting systemic gender inequality and reinforcing patriarchal structures. Such environments may consciously or unconsciously reinforce male dominance, leading to limited opportunities for female participation and influence. Often, this concept underscores the pervasiveness of gender bias in various spheres, contributing to social and economic disparities.
Male-preferred meaning with examples
- Despite equal qualifications, Sarah noticed the 'male-preferred' atmosphere in her engineering firm, where men received better assignments and were often favored for promotions. This subtle bias led to feelings of exclusion and hampered her career progression. This environment ultimately hindered the company's potential as a whole.
- The historical analysis revealed that the traditional 'male-preferred' emphasis on physical strength in construction created barriers for female laborers. Though opportunities exist for women, the industry standards implicitly favored men.
- Research highlights that the 'male-preferred' culture within a particular tech start-up resulted in a lack of female role models and a reluctance from women to apply for the same positions as male peers. The company ended up missing out on valuable talent.
- Political representation data showed a clear 'male-preferred' bias in the boardroom, as few women were in leadership positions. This led to policies that often failed to adequately address the needs and concerns of the female population and perpetuated discrimination.