Malecentered

Malecentered is an adjective used to describe discourses, practices, or institutions that center male experiences and perspectives as the default or norm. The term is a variant of male-centeredness and is commonly discussed in gender studies, sociology, education, and media critique to highlight bias toward male experiences.

In practice, malecentered can appear in historiography, curricula, or cultural production when male figures or viewpoints are privileged as representative, universal, or standard. In research and policy, it can show up as designs, data collection, or analytical frameworks that treat male subjects as the default, often overlooking or marginalizing women and gender-diverse people. Language practices, such as default use of male pronouns or the portrayal of men as the norm, are also cited as manifestations.

Critics of malecentered argue that it reinforces gender hierarchies and obscures the experiences and needs of those outside the male majority. The concept is frequently connected to broader discussions of androcentrism and the need for intersectional approaches that account for race, class, sexuality, and other identities. Some scholars frame malecentered as a descriptive observation about bias rather than a value judgment, while others use it to advocate for more inclusive research methods, curricula, and institutional practices.

See also: androcentrism, male gaze, gender studies, intersectionality.