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Published

2025-02-27

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Vol. 10 No. 1 (2025): Published

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Research Articles

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How to Cite

Fu, J. (2025). Male hegemony in video games: Effects on female representation, psycholoy, and resistance. Environment and Social Psychology, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v10i1.3302

Male hegemony in video games: Effects on female representation, psycholoy, and resistance

Jiayuan Fu

The University of Hong Kong, 999077, China


DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v10i1.3302


Keywords: Video games, Female figures, Gender stereotypes, Femininity, Hegemonic masculinity, Social Psychology

Abstract

This paper explores the issue of male dominance in the video game industry and gaming community. Female game characters in video games are often over-sexualized to suit male preferences due to mainstream social consciousness. This practice not only disregards the needs and experiences of female gamers, but also reinforces gender stereotypes and hurts gender equality. This kind of disrespect and harm to women further spreads to real social life, which is not conducive to women’s physical and mental health. The paper analyses how male hegemony is manifested through the marginalization of women, the distortion of women’s representation, and the objectification of women as objects of male desire from the perspective of social psychology. In addition, the paper explores how gaming mechanics control women in games and real life and further exacerbate this problem by creating ‘second selves’ that perpetuate gender norms. The paper argues for the need to challenge this male dominance and discusses how women can actively resist this dominance in society and the gaming community. Finally, the paper calls for a more inclusive and gender-equitable gaming culture to improve the gaming experience for all players, as well as to promote respect for women in society.

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