Feminist critics in the latter years of the twentieth century have faulted many male writers for perpetuating patriarchal stereotypes in their stories and novels, even when the writers are attempting to depict women as significant characters.

Popular sociology, psychology, and linguistic views widespread in the media in the 1980s and 1990s view women as more concerned with cooperative relationships and expression of feelings than men are likely to be. Males, according to the popular view, tend to be more capable of focused analytical thought, more competitive, more given to dominance through physical strength, less able to perceive and manage feelings, and less able to communicate effectively with others. At times, critics have judged women writers more capable of depicting male characters effectively than male writers are able to portray female characters.

The popular wisdom would portray male readers as more interested in the science and mechanics...