Date of Award
8-1999
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Sociology
First Advisor
Dr. Susan Caringella-MacDonald
Second Advisor
Dr. Zoann Snyder
Third Advisor
Dr. Charles Crawford
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
There is a need in the field of sociology to expand our knowledge about how media-generated representations of women impact our lives. This research was designed to explore participants' perceptions of music video representations of women. Using a pre- test (survey), treatment (educational video) and post-test (survey), I analyzed participants' perceptions of how women were represented in music videos. The educational video exposed the techniques, which are used by the male-dominated music video industry, that present women in demeaning ways. The post-test proved useful in my attempt to determine whether the educational video impacted participants' understandings of the ways in which women were portrayed in music videos.
I found that this particular group of participants, prior to viewing the educational video, was already highly aware of the negative portrayals of women in music videos. In fact, most did not believe that the portrayals were actually characteristic of women. . Also, the majority did not believe that music videos actually influenced their beliefs. Plus, some reported that the messages in country western and rhythm and blues videos portrayed women in a less stereotypical, more active and independent light. However, the overall consensus was that most representations of women in music videos were demeaning.
Recommended Citation
Urbina, Jan E., "Creativity Or Collusion?: Representations of Women in Music Videos" (1999). Masters Theses. 4125.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/4125