The Female Gaze

Aspects of the female "gaze" are indeed considered to have evolutionary underpinnings, but they are also significantly shaped by social and psychological factors. The female gaze holds significance in two primary areas: social and romantic interactions, where it serves to establish connection and assess a partner's value; and in media theory/art, where it is a powerful tool for representation and challenging patriarchal norms. In patriarchal and male-dominant societies like Sri Lanka, the female gaze is not simply an assertive, expressive look of desire or autonomy as it is often discussed in Western media theory. Instead, it is a complex and subtle form of non-verbal communication used to negotiate power, signal interest within strict social norms, and subtly resist overt control. 

Professor Gurit Birnbaum, a social psychologist at Reichman University, has conducted extensive research on women's gaze. According to Professor Gurit Birnbaum, the female gaze is a key non-verbal signal of openness to intimacy that is intrinsically linked to assessing a partner's emotional responsiveness and the potential for a secure connection. She elucidates sexual desire, relationship maintenance, and attachment styles in dating and established relationships. Her key findings related to female gaze patterns and sexual selection center on women's complex strategies for evaluating potential partners, balancing attraction with emotional and physical safety cues. She indicates that the female "gaze" or attentional patterns are primarily influenced by social and psychological factors such as perceived partner responsiveness, emotional closeness, and the social cues of others.