Characteristics of the Male Gazer: Application of Ambivalent Sexism Theory and Sociosexuality on Male Gazing Behavior

Abstract

Gaze behavior has been defined as a method of focusing social attention, which potentially can aid in the process of choosing a potential sexual or romantic partner during mate selection. The male gaze refers to visual inspection of a female’s sexual body parts by men. This investigation seeks to understand what characteristics of men are associated with men’s self-reported gazing behaviors and men’s attitudes regarding their interpersonal gazing. Theories on sexual preferences (i.e., sociosexuality) and gender attitudes (i.e., ambivalent sexism theory) were used to predict men’s gaze behavior and attitudes. Specifically, five factors of male gaze were developed and pilot tested: frequency of gaze behavior, unacceptability of gaze behavior, male enjoyment while gazing, perceived female enjoyment while being the recipient of male gaze, and awareness of gaze behavior. In the main study, heterosexual men (N= 236) completed an online survey. Results demonstrated that attitudes towards short-term sex, desire for short-term sex, and hostile sexist beliefs were the best predictors of frequency of gaze behavior, acceptability of this behavior, and male enjoyment while gazing. Sociosexuality and ambivalent sexism theory, as well as objectification theory, were applied to explain the findings.