Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part F (2024)

The idea of ‘male gaze’ had been conceptualized initially in the context of media but later it has been adopted in social, literary, and cultural criticism as well. In media, the notion portrays women as objects of visual pleasure, focusing on their physical attractiveness and framing them from a heterosexual male perspective. It often reduces women to passive subjects for male consumption, reinforcing gender stereotypes and inequality in representation. Mirroring the very same theory, the concept of ‘female gaze’ has been constructed which when applied in the context of both media and literature centers on depicting men and women through a lens that prioritizes female subjectivity, desire, and agency. It portrays male characters with emotional depth and explores themes of intimacy and relationships from a perspective that resonates with women's experiences. Unlike the male gaze, which objectifies and commodifies women, the female gaze seeks to humanize and celebrate diverse expressions of masculinity while challenging traditional gender roles and stereotypes. Through nuanced storytelling and character development, the female gaze aims to empower and validate women's perspectives in cultural narratives. This paper demonstrates the theory of ‘female gaze’ and its relevance in the modern world.