manspec

Manspec is a term that emerged in online discussions, particularly within feminist and academic circles, to describe what is perceived as a gendered writing style that caters to a presumed male audience. The concept suggests that certain authors or publications adopt a particular tone, vocabulary, or approach to subject matter that they believe will appeal to men, often by emphasizing aggression, competition, simplistic explanations, or a focus on technical details.

The idea behind manspec is that this writing style is not necessarily inherent to the subject matter itself but is a conscious or unconscious adaptation to a perceived male readership. Critics of manspec argue that it can limit the scope of discussion, reinforce gender stereotypes, and exclude readers who do not fit the assumed male demographic. It is often associated with certain genres or types of media, such as some forms of science fiction, sports journalism, or technology writing.

The term is not a formally recognized academic concept but is used in informal discourse to analyze and critique writing that appears to be gendered in its presentation. Discussions around manspec often involve questions of audience expectation, market forces, and the role of gender in shaping communication. The effectiveness and prevalence of manspec are subjects of ongoing debate, with some arguing it is a significant phenomenon while others view it as a minor or nonexistent issue.