malecoding

Malecoding is a term used in discussions of gender bias in technology to describe the encoding of male-default assumptions, attributes, or data in software, datasets, and models. The term is informal and lacks a standardized definition in peer‑reviewed literature; it is often used descriptively to critique design choices that treat male users or male-presenting data as the default.

Origins and usage: The word appears in online forums and critical writings on algorithmic bias. Because there is no universally accepted definition, malecoding is used differently by different authors, sometimes as a shorthand for male-default design, and other times as a polemical label for datasets or interfaces that privilege male perspectives.

Applications and examples: In practice, malecoding can refer to data collection, annotation, or modeling decisions that underrepresent women or gender-diverse groups, or that embed male-associated norms (pronouns, voice profiles, body-scale assumptions) into systems. Critics argue that such biases can affect fairness, usability, and accuracy.

Mitigation: Addressing malecoding involves auditing data and models for gender bias, diversifying datasets and teams, using gender-inclusive language and representations, and applying debiasing techniques where appropriate. Transparency about design choices and ongoing evaluation are emphasized.

See also: Algorithmic bias, gender bias in AI, inclusive design.