Androcentric is a term that is often used in the context of gender studies and feminism. It is a word that describes a perspective or worldview that is centered around men, and that tends to exclude or marginalize women.
Definitions
The term androcentric refers to a way of thinking or a cultural perspective that places men at the center of things. This can manifest itself in a number of ways, including the way that language is used, the way that social norms are established, and the way that power is distributed in society.
Origin
The word androcentric comes from the Greek words “andro” (meaning “man”) and “centric” (meaning “centered”). It was first used in the early 20th century to describe a way of thinking that was prevalent in Western societies at the time.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of androcentric is fairly consistent across different dictionaries. It is generally defined as a perspective or worldview that is centered around men, and that tends to exclude or marginalize women.
Associations
Androcentric is often associated with patriarchy, which is a social system in which men hold primary power and dominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property. It is also associated with sexism, which is the belief that one gender is inherently superior to the other.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of androcentric include male-centric, phallocentric, and masculinist.
Antonyms
The antonyms of androcentric include gynocentric, female-centric, and feminist.
The same root words
Androcentric has the same root words as androgynous, which means having both male and female characteristics.
Example Sentences
- The curriculum was criticized for being androcentric, with a focus on male authors and historical figures.
- The company’s leadership was accused of being androcentric, with few women in positions of power.
- The language used in the policy was androcentric, with masculine pronouns used to refer to both men and women.
Androcentric is a term that describes a perspective or worldview that is centered around men, and that tends to exclude or marginalize women. It is a concept that is closely related to patriarchy and sexism, and it is often criticized by feminists and gender scholars for perpetuating gender inequality. By understanding the meaning and implications of androcentric, we can work to create a more equitable and inclusive society.