Rap Lyrics and Violence Against Women

• In Event: Perceptions and Portrayals of Sexual Assault, its Victims, and Just Responses

Abstract

Prior research has examined how rap music portrays the criminal justice system as a whole, as well as, the police in particular, finding themes of physical harassment, violence against the police, violence in general, and police corruption (Hays, 2016). This research will examine how rap lyrics portray violence against women, with an emphasis on sexual violence. Using a convenience sample of rap lyrics, the study uses content analysis to shed light on themes of violence against women.

Authors

• Danielle Messere, Fisher College

• Paige Ciavarro, Fisher College

• Meridith Spencer, Fisher College