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Abstract

This dissertation seeks to explore the ways in which women are sexualised within popular girl group music videos, and how this may impact young women. Despite gender, sexuality and media being prominent topics within sociology, the topic of sexualisation within girl bands specifically, remains under researched. Furthermore, this project aims to explore and understand the sexualisation of girl groups and how it factors into the pressures of body image and unrealistic beauty standards amongst young women in contemporary society (Prichard & Tiggemann, 2012). Current literature provides a detailed understanding of these issues within society, however few discuss them in relation to music videos, particularly those of popular girl groups. A multimethod approach was used to answer the research objectives effectively. This consisted of a secondary analysis of three selected music videos, utilising a social semiotic analysis, and a primary research method, utilising qualitative data collected from 15 semi structured interviews. The primary research consisted of young women who fell between the age bracket of 18-25, and once the data was collected, a thematic analysis was conducted to discuss and delve into the key overarching themes and topics discussed. For example, two overarching themes were identified: ‘unattainable beauty standards’, and ideas of ‘female empowerment’, additionally concepts of blame and resentment were also interlinked throughout. Interestingly, it was evident that a majority of participants found that the sexualised nature of women within girl group music videos evoked negative feelings, particularly around topics of body dissatisfaction (Shein, 2021), which emphasises the integral role music videos can play in young women's self esteem.

Course: Sociology and Criminology - BSc (Hons) - C0979

Date Deposited: 2024-01-30

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14338.html