Keywords
music videos, content analysis, race, body size, sexual content, visual images
Abstract
Previous research has demonstrated that women are objectified and sexualized in music videos, and that Black characters are underrepresented in most genres. This content analysis addressed the question of whether the bodies and sexuality of women in music videos were portrayed differently based on their race. Music videos (n=47) were coded for women’s character roles, body size, and visual performances of sexuality, and for Black women’s Afrocentricity. Videos were also coded for specific ways women’s bodies were objectified or sexualized through camera shots and angles. Implications include the idea that Black women may internalize video messages about beauty and sexuality, and that Black men and White individuals may form inaccurate and harmful ideas of Black femininity because of music video images.
ScholarWorks Citation
VanDyke, Erika, "Race, Body, and Sexuality in Music Videos" (2011). Honors Projects. 69.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/honorsprojects/69
