Male Gaze vs. Phallocentrism

Attribute	Male Gaze	Phallocentrism
Definition	Refers to the way in which visual arts and literature depict the world and women from a masculine point of view, emphasizing women as objects of male pleasure.	Refers to the belief that the male perspective is the central or most important one, often leading to the marginalization or objectification of women.
Origin	Coined by Laura Mulvey in her essay "Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema" in 1975.	Derived from the Greek word "phallos" meaning penis, and "centrism" meaning focus or emphasis.
Focus	Mainly focuses on the visual representation of women in media and culture.	Focuses on the privileging of male experiences, perspectives, and values in society.
Impact	Leads to the objectification and sexualization of women in media and culture.	Reinforces gender stereotypes and perpetuates male dominance in various aspects of society.

Introduction

Male gaze and phallocentrism are two concepts that are often discussed in the context of feminist theory and gender studies. While they are related in some ways, they also have distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between male gaze and phallocentrism, and how they both contribute to the perpetuation of patriarchal norms in society.

Male Gaze

Male gaze is a term coined by feminist film theorist Laura Mulvey in her 1975 essay "Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema." It refers to the way in which visual media, such as films and advertisements, are often created from a heterosexual male perspective. This perspective objectifies women, presenting them as passive objects of desire for the male viewer. The male gaze reinforces traditional gender roles and perpetuates the idea that women exist primarily for the pleasure of men.

One of the key attributes of male gaze is the idea of scopophilia, or the pleasure derived from looking. In the context of male gaze, this pleasure is often associated with the act of objectifying women and reducing them to their physical appearance. This can be seen in the way that women are often portrayed in media as passive, submissive, and sexually available to men. The male gaze reinforces the idea that women's value lies in their physical attractiveness and their ability to fulfill male desires.

Another important aspect of male gaze is the concept of the "male protagonist," who serves as the central figure in the narrative and whose perspective shapes the viewer's understanding of the story. This often results in female characters being relegated to secondary roles, where they exist primarily to support the male protagonist's journey or provide a romantic interest. The male gaze reinforces the idea that women are not fully realized individuals with their own agency, but rather exist in relation to men.

Phallocentrism

Phallocentrism is a related concept that refers to the privileging of the phallus, or the male sex organ, as the symbol of power and authority in society. Phallocentrism is rooted in the idea that masculinity is superior to femininity, and that male experiences and perspectives are more valuable than female ones. This belief system reinforces patriarchal norms and perpetuates the subordination of women in society.

One of the key attributes of phallocentrism is the idea of phallogocentrism, which combines the phallus with logos, or reason and language. This concept suggests that male sexuality and male-dominated discourse are central to the construction of knowledge and meaning in society. Phallogocentrism privileges male ways of knowing and speaking, while marginalizing or silencing female voices and perspectives.

Another important aspect of phallocentrism is the way in which it shapes social institutions and power structures. Phallocentrism is evident in the way that men are often overrepresented in positions of authority and leadership, while women are underrepresented or excluded from positions of power. This imbalance of power reinforces the idea that masculinity is synonymous with competence and authority, while femininity is associated with weakness and inferiority.

Comparison

While male gaze and phallocentrism are distinct concepts, they are interconnected in the way that they both contribute to the perpetuation of patriarchal norms in society. Male gaze operates at the level of representation, shaping the way that women are portrayed in visual media and reinforcing traditional gender roles. Phallocentrism, on the other hand, operates at a more systemic level, privileging male experiences and perspectives in social institutions and power structures.

Both male gaze and phallocentrism serve to reinforce the idea that masculinity is superior to femininity, and that women exist primarily for the pleasure and benefit of men. They both contribute to the marginalization and objectification of women, perpetuating a system of gender inequality that disadvantages women and privileges men. By understanding the attributes of male gaze and phallocentrism, we can begin to challenge and dismantle the patriarchal norms that underpin our society.