Androcentrism

Social Structures

In an androcentric worldview, male behaviors and characteristics are considered normal and thus more highly valued, while those of females' are devalued. For example, aggression and competition (strength) are assigned higher value than compromise and cooperation (weakness). Furthermore, male qualities are more socially acceptable if possessed by males. Males and females are taught two differing sets of values along gender lines from a young age, and more emphasis is placed on the importance of male qualities. Young females who aspire to these male qualities may be labeled “tomboys.” These transgressions, while acceptable to a certain degree, are ones girls are expected to outgrow during adolescence. Androcentric social order has implications beyond childhood behavior: Adult female behavior or pursuits considered more appropriate for men are regarded as atypical and even deviant, limiting women's social participation, for example, in positions of leadership or scholarship or as initiators in intimate relationships.

The social organization of labor along gender lines also places more value on work done by men. Public work (outside the home) is thought of as more important than private work (labor performed in the home, such as child rearing and cleaning). Although the advent of the women's liberation movement has made varying types of work outside the home more accessible to women, the reverse has not occurred; men are still considered unusual or less masculine if they choose to be homemakers. Similarly, expectations of women in the workforce conform to normative work habits and success patterns traditionally appropriate for males. Habits considered normal and desirable for all employees, such as full-time availability and uninterrupted commitment, have not changed as women enter the workforce. Although women continue to bear the majority of domestic responsibilities, they are still expected to be model employees in a workforce with androcentric values.

Scholarship, Religion, and Language

In androcentric accounts of history, that is, human history, male experiences are considered universal and noteworthy. Women as historical figures are depicted as silent onlookers, stereotypical characters, or are simply absent. This approach has rendered women nearly invisible in the annals of history, underscoring the androcentric viewpoint of females and female activity as supplementary or less important. Additionally, due to social limitations placed on the female gender, women were once restricted from participating in scholarship, or knowledge making.

Androcentric cultures throughout the world have social mores (customs) based on patriarchal rule and religion (founded on paternity, or leadership through the lineage of the male parent). Like histories, texts of patriarchal faiths often record the commandments, deeds, and wisdom of prominent male figures, and these texts are revealed to/recorded by males. Despite this, the truths of these texts are assumed to be universal. Men tend to serve as clergy or interpreters of truths, and women are actively encouraged to serve in subordinate positions rather than those of authority. Laws based on religious doctrine either directly or indirectly tend to favor men and more harshly punish women who transgress.

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