Representation in Music Videos

 Representation of Social Groups and Issues

Representation of Genders:

Females: 

Women in music videos are often shown in a sexualized way, specially in hip-hop/rap music videos. They are in skimpy outfits, and predominantly revealing. This can be linked with Laura Mulvey's "Male Gaze" theory and Naomi Wolf's theory about women shown as "sex objects" in media. 

Males:

Men in music videos are shown as powerful, excessively wealthy and glamourized, and as "alphas". This can be linked with Earp & Katz theory about masculinity glorified in media and displayed via strength and aggression. 

LGBTQ+:

This community is now celebrated and glamourized in music videos, and can be shown as entertaining; having fun and being friendly. 

Representation of Ethnicities:

Now a diverse range of ethnicities is represented in music videos, showcasing Black, Hispanic, Asian and South Asian, and White cultures. A very interesting example is the "Youth" music video by Shawn Mendes, which includes many ethnicities and religions and show all of them in positive light. 

Social Issues: 

Social issues such as racism, class difference, exploitation, homelessness, harassment and misogyny are often highlighted in music videos.