It gets attention because it is rude and annoying and subway riders would like it to stop, and, despite your experience, very common, and indeed almost exclusiv

It gets attention because it is rude and annoying and subway riders would like it to stop, and, despite your experience, very common, and indeed almost exclusive to men. I see one or two men "spread" every day on the subway in Boston. Some even do it while someone is seated next to them, forcing their neighbor to sit sideways or be squished. The subway seats are narrower than they ought to be, and many people simply don't fit, but spreading is an act apart. Never have I seen a woman sit like that on the subway. Granted, it's possible the reason women do not do this is merely one of propriety or upbringing and not conscientiousness. Likewise it's possible the reason men do this is merely obliviousness and not inconsiderateness, posturing, or entitlement. But it is absolutely a predominantly male behavior.