male gaze

[ meyl geyz ]

noun

1. Often the male gaze. the assumption in visual and creative arts that the default or desired audience consists of heterosexual males, and inclusion of women in narrative or art should seek to please this audience with the objectification or sexualization of these depicted women.

Word History and Origins

Origin of male gaze¹

Coined by Laura Mulvey (born 1941), British feminist film theorist in her essay “Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema” (1975)

Example Sentences

It had no male gaze involved in it.

From Los Angeles Times

While the brand has made efforts for diversity, inclusion and body positivity, Teen Vogue associate editor Aiyana Ishmael wrote, "It is true that women were center stage in this show, though they always have been. Removing male performers helped alleviate the male gaze, and any event that does result in women feeling good about themselves is largely a net positive. But just because we speak the words doesn’t usher in the action."

From Salon

Rather than the dreary pasture where fun and sex go to die, middle age has turned out to be a verdant place where I don’t give a s— about the male gaze, whether internalized or external.

From Los Angeles Times

The only male gaze I value these days is that of a particular stripe of middle-age gay: five to 15 years older than me with good skin and a nice watch and expensive leather shoes; I’ll take his compliment.

From Los Angeles Times

The flinch is an inverse of the male gaze, and I know it too well because I’m blind in one eye.

From Los Angeles Times