{"id":83435,"date":"2023-03-01T09:05:09","date_gmt":"2023-03-01T09:05:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=83435"},"modified":"2026-01-06T09:43:05","modified_gmt":"2026-01-06T09:43:05","slug":"male-gaze","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/male-gaze\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Ways to Fight Against the Male Gaze in a Relationship"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"Man<\/p>\n

The male gaze is a concept that has existed for a long time which discusses how societal activities are seen from the male standpoint. This concept is a feminist theory that believes that this outlook prevents women from being the best version of themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this article, you will learn what the male gaze means in relationships and the effects of two people dating each other. Additionally, you will see some effective tips to fight against the male gaze in a relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>What is the male gaze in relationships?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

When it comes to the male gaze definition, different meanings can be attributed to it. First, the male gaze could mean viewing women as sexual objects from a male perspective. It could also mean showing women as highly sexualized and desirable individuals that men lust after. <\/span><\/p>\n

To answer the question of what is the male gaze or male gaze theory, many feminists have the opinion that it puts women down and creates a system where they will always be below men.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>5 effects of the male gaze in a relationship<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

When the male gaze or internalized male gaze exists in a union, it can affect the relationship dynamics, which might not bode well for both parties in the long run.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are some of the effects of the male gaze in a relationship<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Reinforces gender stereotypes<\/b><\/h3>\n

Regarding the male gaze meaning in a relationship, one of the common effects is that it empowers gender stereotypes. This means that in a heterosexual relationship, men are likely to have a generalized conception about some roles that should normally belong to women. <\/span><\/p>\n

Hence, they will distance themselves from these roles or attributes because of their preconceived notion.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sometimes, gender stereotypes can put women at a disadvantage because their partners will not be inclined to help or see things from their perspective. <\/span><\/p>\n

For instance, if a woman is pregnant, someone with a male gaze might still expect her to perform some of her duties, not minding if it is convenient for her or not.<\/span><\/p>\n

Related Reading: <\/i><\/b>11 Examples Of Traditional Gender Roles<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n
2. She might see herself only as a sex partner<\/b><\/h3>\n
Another effect that the male gaze brings to the relationship is that the woman might see herself as nothing more than a sex partner. She will feel that her presence in the relationship is to <\/span>satisfy the man<\/span><\/a>’s sensual desires.<\/span><\/p>\n
The male gaze can make a woman feel like sex is the only thing keeping her in the relationship, and the man might leave if he’s tired of her. Additionally, she might see herself as unable to satisfy the man in other aspects of his life.<\/span><\/p>\n
3. Limits her development and progress<\/b><\/h3>\n
With the male gaze in the relationship, the woman might be unable to reach her highest potential. She might not be able to develop a growth mindset because of the present stereotype in the relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n
It may be impossible for her to take some daring steps that will ensure her self-development because she has not realized it. She may find it hard to support her partner because she does not feel capable enough.<\/span><\/p>\n
\"Man<\/p>\n
4. Power imbalance in the relationship<\/b><\/h3>\n
When there is a male gaze in a relationship, it can cause a power imbalance. The woman might begin to feel a sense of insecurity and begin to doubt her partner’s commitment to the relationship. She might prioritize the union by investing <\/span>quality time<\/span><\/a> and effort to make things work.<\/span><\/p>\n
However, with the presence of the male gaze, she may start to wonder if her partner cared about her initially. When interacting with her partner, she may often feel unfulfilled because of the absence of a deep <\/span>emotional connection<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n
She is likely to feel empty and less energized because her partner is not meeting her emotional needs.<\/span><\/p>\n
5. She may feel some roles are for her alone<\/b><\/h3>\n
Another effect of the male gaze in a relationship is when the woman automatically assumes some roles because she feels they are for her. This probably means that her partner may have refused to do some roles because of the feeling that they are not for them. <\/span><\/p>\n
In a heterosexual relationship, the woman might feel confined to some traditional gender roles like cooking and taking care of the children.<\/span><\/p>\n
To learn more about the effects of the Male Gaze, this study by Rachel M. Calogero is for you. The <\/span>study<\/span><\/a> is titled ‘A Test of Objectification Theory’, which looks at the Effect of the Male Gaze on Appearance Concerns in College Women. <\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>5 Examples of the male gaze in daily life<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
To understand more on how to identify the male gaze in daily life, here are some common examples that you’re likely to experience.<\/span><\/p>\n
According to <\/span>Jennifer Jacobsen Schulz<\/span><\/a>, LCSW<\/span><\/p>\n
The term ‘male gaze’ has been described by researchers as referring to the fact that men retain the power, as they are the ones looking, while women <\/span>are looked<\/span> at, merely as passive objects.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
  1. A woman wearing occasion-inappropriate clothing in a gathering where men are well dressed<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Women with only underwear in clubs or parties to <\/span>attract men<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Alluring pictures of a woman to advertise a product or service<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. A woman in movies wearing clothes that show her cleavage or other parts of her body being sexually objectified by the camera<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Nudity displayed by female characters in movies<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>
    To have a more holistic view on the male gaze examples, read this <\/span>research study<\/span><\/a> by Anneke Smelik. This study is titled ‘The Male Gaze in Cinema’, using Hollywood as a case study. <\/span><\/p>\n
    <\/span>The negative impact of the male gaze in relationships<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
    Most times, the male gaze affects the way a woman sees herself. She may more likely view herself as an object of pleasure rather than someone who has something beneficial to offer. <\/span><\/p>\n
    Therefore, she might not be able to support her partner the way she should because of the limitations placed on her mental capacity by the male gaze.<\/span><\/p>\n
    \"Young<\/p>\n
    <\/span>10 ways to fight against the male gaze in a relationship<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
    If the male gaze continues to exist in a relationship, it can affect the stability of the union. Here are some ways to kick against the male gaze in a relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n
    1. Stop the stereotypes<\/b><\/h3>\n
    When you notice the male gaze examples in your relationship, one of the ways to kick against it is to stop the gender stereotypes. First, it begins by not putting yourself down for belonging to your gender.<\/span><\/p>\n
    If you feel your partner can handle some of the roles in the relationship, you can talk to them about it. When you and your partner collaborate to handle some of the duties in the relationship, not minding the gender, it helps to eliminate the male gaze.<\/span><\/p>\n
    2. Communicate how you feel<\/b><\/h3>\n
    If you feel the male gaze in your relationship is affecting you, one of the ways to help yourself is to communicate with your partner. It might be that your partner isn’t aware of what they are doing, and their actions may make you feel inadequate. <\/span><\/p>\n
    Therefore, speak with your partner, and let them know how the two of you can put heads together to eliminate the male gaze in the relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n
    3. Be independent<\/b><\/h3>\n
    Another way to kick against the male gaze in the relationship is to be independent. You need to find a way to be responsible for some aspects of your life without any external input, including your partner’s. <\/span><\/p>\n
    When your partner sees you as independent, it might change how they see you. They may stop seeing you as a sex partner and more of a partner who looks out for herself.<\/span><\/p>\n
    Related Reading<\/i><\/b>: <\/span><\/i>What Is Hyper Independence in a Relationship<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n
    4. Set goals with your partner<\/b><\/h3>\n
    One of the reasons why the male gaze might be dominant in a relationship is when partners don’t set goals for themselves in the relationship. If the male gaze exists in your relationship, discuss with your partner how to set and work towards achieving goals. <\/span><\/p>\n
    When you set goals with your partner, it makes them see you as someone more instead of a person who satisfies their sexual desires.<\/span><\/p>\n
    Watch this video on how to set goals as a couple: <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n