MALE GAZE Meaning and
Definition
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The notion of "male gaze" originated from feminist film theory but has since expanded to encompass other realms of media and society. It refers to the way in which visual media and cultural representations are predominantly crafted from a heterosexual male perspective. The concept suggests that the prevailing viewpoint in various forms of media is structured to satisfy and cater to male desires and fantasies, objectifying women as passive objects of male pleasure.
In this context, the male gaze perpetuates a power imbalance, influencing the portrayal and depiction of women by prioritizing their appearance, sexuality, and objectification over their agency, thoughts, and motivations. It is often characterized by close-ups on body parts, sexually suggestive camera angles, and the use of female characters primarily as accessories or instruments to further male narratives.
The male gaze permeates across various mediums, including film, television, advertising, photography, art, and literature. It shapes societal norms, expectations, and definitions of beauty, affecting not only women but also men and the overall perception of gender roles in society.
However, it is important to recognize that the male gaze is not an intrinsic quality of all media but rather a critical framework to understand and challenge the way gender is represented and experienced visually. By acknowledging the male gaze, it opens up opportunities to challenge and subvert traditional gender roles while promoting more inclusive and diverse perspectives in media production and consumption.
Etymology of MALE GAZE
The term "male gaze" was coined by Laura Mulvey, a feminist film critic, in her seminal essay "Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema" published in 1975. The word "gaze" has its roots in Old Norse and Middle English, meaning to look intently or fixedly. In the essay, Mulvey used the term to describe the dominant perspective in visual arts and media where women are objectified and portrayed solely for the male viewer's pleasure and identification, while men occupy the active and powerful position. The concept expanded beyond film to analyze various forms of visual representation and media, highlighting the power dynamics and structures of patriarchy within society. The term "male gaze" has since become widely used in feminist theory and cultural criticism.
