Women's Media Versus Men's Media: A Double Standard

Exploring the societal biases against entertainment catered to female audiences.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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This article examines the double standards that exist in how society perceives and treats entertainment media targeted towards women versus men. It argues that while media aimed at male audiences, such as sports and action movies, is often taken seriously, media catered to female audiences, like reality TV and romance novels, is frequently dismissed and ridiculed, simply because it does not cater to men. The piece highlights examples like the 'Real Housewives' franchise and the show 'Heated Rivalry' to illustrate how women's entertainment is belittled, even when it offers meaningful themes and social commentary.

Why it matters

This story matters because it sheds light on the persistent gender biases in how we value and consume different forms of media and entertainment. By acknowledging and addressing these double standards, we can work towards a more equitable and inclusive cultural landscape where all audiences and their preferences are respected, regardless of gender.

The details

The article argues that media aimed at predominantly female audiences, such as reality TV, romance novels, and boy bands, is often met with condescension and ridicule from society, while entertainment catered to male viewers, like sports and action movies, is taken more seriously. It cites examples like the 'Real Housewives' franchise, which offers meaningful themes of sisterhood and support, and the show 'Heated Rivalry,' which resonates with female and LGBTQ+ audiences but has been fetishized by some straight women. The piece contends that the romance genre, often dismissed as 'low-brow,' provides an important emotional escape and sense of community for its audience.

  • The article was published on February 12, 2026.

The players

Real Housewives of Atlanta

An iconic branch of the 'Real Housewives' franchise, which the article argues is much more than just a 'bunch of rich women fighting,' as it centers on the sisterhood and support among affluent and successful middle-aged Black women.

Heated Rivalry

A show about hockey rivals who are queer, which the article states has a fanbase consisting almost entirely of queer people and straight women, as it resonates with female audiences for not feeding into toxic masculinity or unbalanced power dynamics.

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The takeaway

This story highlights the persistent double standards in how society perceives and values entertainment media targeted towards women versus men. By acknowledging and addressing these biases, we can work towards a more equitable cultural landscape where all audiences and their preferences are respected, regardless of gender.