Sociology: Sexual Objectification of Women in Music Videos Today

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The Research Problem This study works to examine the use of sexual objectification of women in music videos today. The primary purpose was to examine the differences between genres, specifically hip-hop and country. I tested the following; Women are more likely to be sexualized in hip-hop music videos than in country music videos. Literature Review Since the explosion of music videos in 1981, a large portion of their popularity has been due to the objectification of women and their sexuality. “Early content analyses showed that anywhere from 40% to 75% of music videos contained sexual imagery”(Arnett, 2002). Hip-hop music videos especially have a reputation of degrading women. In these videos “women are often depicted in positions of submission to men” (Sommers-Flanagan, 1993).On the flip-side Country music videos are “known for [their] socially conservative themes”(Frisby & Aubrey, 2012). It has been found that there are different platforms behind music videos in both genres. Country music videos mainly are played on CMT (Country Music Television), a strictly music network, and are used to “establish artist’s images and sell their music” (Andsager, 1999). Traditionally the hip-hop genre plays upon explicit desired content causing their videos to explode in the media. In these videos it is not only men who push women to sexual submission, female artists are depicting themselves as being weak, needy, sexual beings. (Frisby & Aubrey, 2012) Methods Sampling The sample for this analysis included current and popular hip-hop and country music videos. This specific sample was drawn from Vevo’s most viewed videos in the categories of Hip-Hop/Rap and Country. Choosing some of the most viewed music videos of 2013 created a repre... ... middle of paper ... ... The Sounds of Sex: Sex in teens’ music and music videos. Sexual Teens, Sexual Media: Investigating Media’s Influence on Adolescent Sexuality (p. 253) Andsager, J.I.R. (1999)Country music video in the country's Year of the Woman, Journal of Communication (vol.49 iss.1 pg. 69 - 82) Frisby, C.M., Stevens, J.A. (2012) Race and Genre in the Use of Sexual Objectification in Female Artists’ Music Video. Howard Journal of Communications (Vol. 23, Is. 1, p. 66-87) Sommers-Flanagan, R., Sommers-Flanagan, J., & Davis, B. (1993). What’s happening on music television: A gender role content analysis. Women and Health (Vol.18 Is.4, p. 45–53) Vevo Music Videos (2012) Top Country Videos this week. Retrieved from http://www.vevo.com/browse/top-videos/country Vevo Music Videos (2013) Top Rap/Hip-Hop Videos this Week. Retrieved from http://www.vevo.com/browse/top-videos/raphip-hop

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