Androcentrism (/ˌændroʊˈsɛntrɪzəm/) is a term that refers to the belief that men are superior or the central focus in societal and cultural affairs. This word is derived from the Greek words "andr-" meaning male and "-centrism" meaning centered. To spell this word correctly, one must pay attention to the placement of vowels ("o" after "a" and "e" after "n"). The phonetic transcription also indicates the stress on the second syllable (-SEN-triz-um). Understanding the spelling and pronunciation of this word is important in discussing issues related to gender inequality.
Androcentrism is a social and cultural phenomenon characterized by the conscious or unconscious prioritization, domination, and/or validation of masculinity or masculine perspectives over femininity or feminine perspectives. It refers to a biased worldview that emphasizes male experiences, values, achievements, and perspectives as the norm or superior to those of women.
The term "androcentrism" is derived from the Greek words "andros," meaning man, and "kentron," meaning center. Together, they denote the concept of placing men at the center, or at the forefront, of society, and subsequently marginalizing and subordinating women. Androcentrism manifests in various ways including language, education, social roles, and cultural practices.
In an androcentric society, men often hold positions of power and authority while women are assigned subordinate roles or are confined to domestic spheres. This results in gender inequalities, gender-based discrimination, and the perpetuation of gender stereotypes. Androcentrism has been widely criticized for reinforcing patriarchy, an overarching system that maintains male dominance and female subordination.
Efforts to challenge androcentrism aim to promote gender equality, inclusivity, and a more diverse and balanced representation of masculine and feminine experiences. Feminist movements, gender studies, and social justice initiatives play a significant role in challenging and dismantling these biases, advocating for greater recognition, respect, and empowerment of women and other marginalized genders.
The word "androcentrism" is derived from two Greek roots: "andro" meaning "man" and "centrism" meaning "centeredness" or "focus". "Andro" comes from the Greek word "anēr" or "andr-", which specifically refers to a male person or husband. Therefore, "androcentrism" refers to a worldview or social system that centers or prioritizes male perspectives, experiences, or values, often to the detriment or exclusion of other genders.