The Female Gaze

The Female Gaze. 

Some women intentionally present themselves in ways that appeal to the female gaze rather than the male gaze– a gaze rooted less in objectification, and more in relatability, admiration, and empowerment. 

Women who create for women– even if the subject is men.

This often gets misread through the lens of patriarchy, where any act of styling, dressing, or performance is assumed to be for male validation. The female gaze goes beyond sexualization; it’s about creativity, intimacy, authenticity, and the small but powerful ways that we as women express ourselves to each other.

Over the years, it’s become less taboo for women to discuss anything even remotely suggestive– with sexual innuendos, or controversial takes, as for decades it was only men who were allowed to talk about this. Just because it’s about men doesn’t mean it’s for them. At the end of the day, it’s still being portrayed through the female gaze after all. 

While female artists across all genres of music have been doing this for years, it’s only now starting to gain recognition for what it actually is. The lyrics written, songs performed, and outfits worn that society says are typically tailored towards a male audience, in fact, are actually aimed towards women. Regardless, the target audience remains. 

As much as I love Sabrina Carpenter and her stage presence, she somehow has escaped the male gaze label by painting her brand around hating men. What’s the difference between writing 20 songs about men you love, and 20 songs about men you hate? There is a fine line. When you’re one of the biggest names in pop music with an audience of primarily young women, the stories you tell in your songs go far beyond personal expression; they become part of a larger cultural conversation about womanhood. They have an underlying impact whether you intend them to or not. 

Female artists across all genres of music have been doing this for decades, but only now has it started to become recognized for what it actually is. What was once dismissed as provocative is finally being seen as intentional. 

For decades, female artists have been writing, performing, and styling through their own lens. What’s new isn’t the work, but the perception. The female gaze isn’t about men, it’s about perspective. Every lyric, every look, and every performance is a statement. These stories are by women, for women. The female gaze has always existed; it’s now simply being seen, respected, and celebrated. 

Strike Out,

Elise Archer

Boca Raton

Elise Archer is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca. She has a passion for everything creative- and she’s a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. If you can’t reach her, she’s either busy shopping, lost somewhere, or writing. But if you would like to: elisearcher111@gmail.com or on Instagram @elisearcherr