Androcentrism translates literally to male centeredness. The term refers to beliefs and associated practices that center males and male experiences as the norm for humanity. These beliefs and practices became hegemonic, influencing all facets of social life. This is particularly relevant for the field of psychology, since the privileging of male experiences and perspectives influences language, culture, science, medicine, and social institutions. This entry explores these aspects of androcentrism, focusing on the United States.

Language and Culture

Androcentrism, first articulated in 1911 in Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s The Man-Made World or Our Androcentric Culture, may be regarded as a fundamental component of sexism. An androcentric culture not only supports and maintains patriarchy by privileging males, it also devalues females and gender liminal people as other, different, and/or deviant.

Androcentrism ...

  • Loading...
locked icon

Sign in to access this content

Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL

  • Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life
  • Read modern, diverse business cases
  • Explore hundreds of books and reference titles