A thematic analysis of sexist Bollywood songs
https://doi.org/10.17583/generos.2020.4628
Keywords:
Downloads
Abstract
Music is a core constituent of human civilization which reflects the socio-cultural configuration of a society at a given point of time. With proven effects of music on mental and physical health, researchers have now started studying it as a therapeutic technique. While listening to songs can cure stress and many other psychological infirmities, inappropriate lyrical content can impact listeners’ attitudes and behaviors negatively. Studies have so far focused on the content structure and implicit elements of lyrics while the probable individual and societal consequences of the same remain less explored and understood. Guided by this objective, the present study is an attempt to explore how sexist lyrics can be instrumental in propagating regressive patriarchal values and sexism. The investigation involves Thematic Analysis of nine Bollywood songs, with explicitly sexist lyrics, chosen through purposive sampling technique. Results reveal that sexist lyrics may be contributory in increasing audience’s tolerance for sexism by creating a power imbalance between the two sexes, normalizing objectification, misogyny and stalking and fostering gender stereotypes. Implications of the study are duly discussed.
Downloads
References
Althusser, L. (1971). Ideology and ideological state apparatuses. In L. Althusser (Ed.), Lenin and Philosophy and other Essays. New York: Monthly Review Press. ISBN: 10: 1583670394
Google Scholar CrossrefAnderson, C.A., Carnagey, N.L. & Eubanks, J. (2003). Exposure to violent media: The effects of songs with violent lyrics on aggressive thoughts and feelings. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84, 960-971.
Google Scholar CrossrefBallard, M. E. & Coates, S. (1995). The immediate effects of homicidal, suicidal, and nonviolent heavy metal and rap songs on the moods of college students. Youth and Society, 27, 148-168.
Google Scholar CrossrefBandura, A. (2001). Social Cognitive Theory of Mass Communication. In J. Bryant & D. Zillmann, (Eds.). Media Effects: Advances in Theory and Research. 2nd Ed. (pp. 121-153). Hillsdale: Lawrence Erlbaum.
Google Scholar CrossrefBaumeister, R. F. & Vohs, K. D. (2004). Sexual economics: Sex as female resource for social exchange in heterosexual interactions. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 8(4), 339-363. doi: http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1207/s15327957pspr0804_2
Google Scholar CrossrefBaumeister, R. F., Catanese, K. R. & Vohs, K. D. (2001). Is there a gender difference in strength of sex drive? Theoretical views, conceptual distinctions, and a review of relevant evidence. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 5, 242-273. doi: http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1207/s15327957pspr0503_5
Google Scholar CrossrefBaumeister, R. F., Reynolds, T., Winegarda, B. & Vohs, K. D. (2017). Competing for love: Applying sexual economics theory to mating contests. Journal of Economic Psychology, 63, 230-241. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joep.2017.07.009
Google Scholar CrossrefBoyatzis, R. E. (1998). Transforming Qualitative information: Thematic Analysis and Code Development. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. ISBN: 0-7619-0960-5
Google Scholar CrossrefBraun, V. & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Google Scholar CrossrefBraun, V. & Clarke, V. (2013). Teaching thematic analysis: Overcoming challenges and developing strategies for effective learning. The Psychologist, 26(2), 120-123. doi: http://eprints.uwe.ac.uk/21155
Google Scholar CrossrefCobb, M. D. & Boettcher, W. A. (2007). Ambivalent sexism and misogynistic rap music: Does exposure to Eminem increase sexism? Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 37(12), 3025-3042. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1559-1816.2007.00292.x
Google Scholar CrossrefCook, N. (1998). Music: A very short introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Google Scholar CrossrefCundiff, G. (2013). The influence of rap/hip-hop music: A mixed-method analysis on audience perceptions of misogynistic lyrics and the issue of domestic violence. The Elon Journal of Undergraduate Research in Communications, 4(1), 71-93.
Google Scholar CrossrefDowd, T. J. (2007). The Sociology of Music. In C., D. Bryant, & D., L. Peck (Ed.), 21st Century Sociology: A Reference Handbook (pp. 249-260). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Google Scholar CrossrefElder, G. H. (1969). Appearance and education in marriage mobility. American Sociological Review, 34(4), 519–33. doi: http://www.jstor.org/stable/2091961?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents
Google Scholar CrossrefFerreira, R. M. C. (2014). Media effects on the audience attitudes and behavior. Matrizes, 8(1), 255-269.
Google Scholar CrossrefFischer, P. & Greitemeyer, T. (2006). Music and aggression: The impact of sexual aggressive song lyrics on aggression-related thoughts, emotions, and behavior toward the same and the opposite sex. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 32(9), 1165-1176. doi:10.1177/0146167206288670
Google Scholar CrossrefFredrickson, B. L. & Roberts, T. A. (1997). Objectification theory: Toward an understanding of women’s lived experiences and mental health risks. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 21, 173-206.
Google Scholar CrossrefFrisby, C. M. & Behm-Morawitz, E. (2019). Undressing the Words: Prevalence of Profanity, Misogyny, Violence, and Gender Role References in Popular Music from 2006-2016. Media Watch 10(1), 5-21.
Google Scholar CrossrefGhosh, B. (2012). Globalization and Social Transformation: Yogendra Singh on culture change in contemporary India. In I. Modi (Ed.), Modernization, Globalization and Social Transformation (pp. 242-256). Jaipur: Rawat Publication. ISBN: 978-. 81-316-0507-3
Google Scholar CrossrefGoswami, G. P. & Puri, V. T. (1996). India at the cross-roads: Democratic quality in demanding society. New Delhi: Mittal Publications. ISBN: 81-7099-654-6
Google Scholar CrossrefGreitemeyer, T. (2009). Effects of songs with prosocial lyrics on prosocial behavior: Further evidence and a mediating mechanism. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 35(11), 1500-1511. doi:10.1177/0146167209341648
Google Scholar CrossrefIndia’s rape crisis: 106 rapes per day, 4 in 10 victims minors. (2018, April 16). The Quint. Retrieved from https://www.thequint.com/news/india/india-rape-data-106-rapes-per-day-4-in-10-victims-minors
Google Scholar CrossrefIslam, A. (2016, June 8). Why acid attacks are on the rise in India. Made for Minds. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/why-acid-attacks-are-on-the-rise-in-india/a-19313750
Google Scholar CrossrefJohnson, J. D., Adams, M. S., Ashburn, L. & Reed, W. (1995). Differential gender effects of exposure to rap music on African American adolescents' acceptance of teen dating violence. Sex Roles, 33, 597-605.
Google Scholar CrossrefJohnson, J. D., Jackson, L. A. & Gatto, L. (1995). Violent attitudes and deferred academic aspirations: Deleterious effects of exposure to rap music. Basic and Applied Social Psychology, 16(1&2), 27-41.
Google Scholar CrossrefLewis, C. S. (1960). The Four Loves: NY: Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich. ISBN: 0156329301 9780156329309
Google Scholar CrossrefLouise, H. K. & Fine, M. (1987). Qualitative and quantitative methods: When stories converge. Evaluative Thinking, 1987(35): 57-75. doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/ev.1459
Google Scholar CrossrefLull, J. (1985). On the communicative properties of music. Communication Research, 12(3), 363-72.
Google Scholar CrossrefLyons, E. & Coyle, A. (2007). Analysing Qualitative Data in Psychology. London: Sage Publications Ltd. ISBN: 978-1-4129-0782-8
Google Scholar CrossrefMartino, S. C., Collins, R. L., Elliott, M. N., Strachman, A., Kanouse, D. E. & Berry, S. H. (2006). Exposure to degrading versus non degrading music lyrics and sexual behavior among youth. Pediatrics, 118(2), 430-441.
Google Scholar CrossrefNational Stalking Awareness Month 2018 Begins. (2018, January 2). Gender Matters. Retrieved from http://gendermatters.in/2018/01/national-stalking-awareness-month/
Google Scholar CrossrefNeff, S. (2014). Sexism across musical genres: A comparison (Honors Thesis). Western Michigan University, Michgan, US. Paper 2484
Google Scholar CrossrefNowotny, N. (2016). Sexual content in music lyrics and their effects on sexual cognition (Honors in the Major Theses). University of Central Florida, Florida, USA.
Google Scholar CrossrefOdhiambo, O. J. (2015). Sexual objectification of the woman’s body: An analysis of selected popular Benga songs among the Luo community, Kenya. Global Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, 3(6), 46-59.
Google Scholar CrossrefRogers, A. (2013). Sexism in unexpected places: An analysis of country music lyrics. Caravel Undergraduate Research Journal. University of South Carolina. Retrieved from http://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/research/news_and_pubs/caravel/archive/2013/2013-caravel-sexism-in-unexpected-places.php on 05/04/2018
Google Scholar CrossrefRosenberry, J. & Vicker, L. (2009). Applied Mass Communication Theory. A Guide for Media Practitioners. Boston: Pearson Allyn and Bacon.
Google Scholar CrossrefRuth, S. (1990). Issues in Feminism: An Introduction to Women's Studies. California, United States: Mayfield Publishing Company. ISBN: 0874849373 9780874849370
Google Scholar CrossrefSantos, J. R. (1992). O que é Comunicação. Lisboa: Difusão cultural.
Google Scholar CrossrefTajfel, H., Billig, M.G., Bundy, R. P. & Flament, C. (1971). Social categorization and intergroup behavior. European Journal of Social Psychology, 1(2), 149-178. doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.2420010202
Google Scholar CrossrefTaylor, P. A., & Glenn, N. D. (1976). The utility of education and attractiveness for females’ status attainment through marriage. American Sociological Review, 41(3), 484–98. doi: http://www.jstor.org/stable/2094255?origin=crossref&seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents
Google Scholar CrossrefWeitzer, R. & Kubrin, C. E. (2009). Misogyny in rap music: A content analysis of prevalence and meanings. Men and Masculinities, 12(1), 3-29.
Google Scholar CrossrefWolf, M. (1995). Teorias da comunicação. Tradução de Maria Jorge Vilar de Figueredo. (Ed. 4). Lisboa: Presença.
Google Scholar CrossrefWood, J. T. (2012). Gendered Lives: Communication, Gender and Culture (10th Ed.). Boston: Cengage Learning.
Google Scholar CrossrefDownloads
Published
Almetric
Dimensions
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
All articles are published under Creative Commons copyright (CC BY). Authors hold the copyright and retain publishing rights without restrictions, but authors allow anyone to download, reuse, reprint, modify, distribute, and/or copy articles as the original source is cited.