Male Gaze Theory

The male gaze theory is how particular audiences view how women are presented within the media. It is thought by Laura Mulvey that women are used within the media to be seen as sexual objects, often portrayed by the use of the camera due to the shot types and movement of the women. The different types of camera shots emphasise curves on the female body, representing the fact that they are seen as objects. This is also a representation of how men think women should be perceived. This theory does not only apply to men, but women too. This is due to the fact that women can look at the content of a music video through the eyes of a man, meaning the way a woman looks at herself id the way a man wants her to be like. Further showing that women are influenced by the thoughts of men. There are many downfalls to this theory as not only women are portrayed sexually throughout the media. Also, the women who are portrayed as sexual objects may like this feeling as it makes them feel empowered by men.

Here are three music videos which show examples of how the contents is:

1.     Emphasising the curves of the female body

2.     Showing women as sexual objects

3.     Displaying women as pleasing the men

4.     Viewed by women in the eyes of a man

5.     Showing women as sexual desires