Focused on or emphasizing males and male perspectives as the center, standard, or most important viewpoint in society, culture, or analysis.
From Greek 'andros' (male) combined with 'centrum' (center). The term was developed in the 20th century to describe how history, science, and culture often centered male experiences as default.
Feminist scholars coined 'androcentric' to show how many historical accounts, scientific theories, and even languages were built assuming men were the norm—a pattern so invisible most people didn't notice it.
From Greek aner (man) + kentron (center). Explicitly describes systems, perspectives, or ideologies centered on male experience as the universal norm. This term emerged in feminist scholarship (1960s-70s) to name previously unexamined male bias embedded in institutions.
Use analytically to identify bias. Not neutral terminology—requires naming as a deviation from inclusive design. Always pair with recognition of what/whom is being excluded.
["male-centered","male-biased","non-inclusive"]
Feminist scholars named androcentrism to make visible what had been invisible—a key methodological contribution that transformed how we analyze power structures across disciplines.
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