Just what I need, more ideas for grad school subjects! Gender studies wasn't really on my list of half a dozen or more.
Having read m/m fiction aimed at women and aimed at men, variously written by women and written by men, of varying degrees of both eroticism and quality, I can tell you there are definite differences between m/m written for women and that written for men. For a quick example, the m/m aimed at men will give you physical descriptions, usually as soon as possible, in some detail, particularly in regards to muscles, body/facial hair, and equipment. So you almost have to separate it, with labels such as gay erotica versus yaoi, before you can even talk about the whys and wherefors.
I wonder if your sister could say why reading about women was boring to her. Is it related to the Bechdel test? Where most fiction has few or no scenes involving two or more women discussing something other than men? Some people have extended that to include a few other things female characters typically discuss, such as family or housework. Me, I'd probably include talking about clothes or makeup or popularity, or excessive discussion of shopping. Those things don't interest me, so if most female characters end up talking about things like that, how are _they_ going to interest me?
no subject
Having read m/m fiction aimed at women and aimed at men, variously written by women and written by men, of varying degrees of both eroticism and quality, I can tell you there are definite differences between m/m written for women and that written for men. For a quick example, the m/m aimed at men will give you physical descriptions, usually as soon as possible, in some detail, particularly in regards to muscles, body/facial hair, and equipment. So you almost have to separate it, with labels such as gay erotica versus yaoi, before you can even talk about the whys and wherefors.
I wonder if your sister could say why reading about women was boring to her. Is it related to the Bechdel test? Where most fiction has few or no scenes involving two or more women discussing something other than men? Some people have extended that to include a few other things female characters typically discuss, such as family or housework. Me, I'd probably include talking about clothes or makeup or popularity, or excessive discussion of shopping. Those things don't interest me, so if most female characters end up talking about things like that, how are _they_ going to interest me?
Much to ponder.