Back to search

National-Louis University

SHAKE YA ASS, BUT WATCH YOURSELF: AN INTERSECTIONAL AND DECOLONIAL APPROACH TO EXPLORING THE SEXUALIZATION OF FEMALE RECORDING ARTISTS AND THE EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN IN THE UNITED STATES

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>This dissertation, titled Shake Ya Ass, But Watch Yourself: An Intersectional and Decolonial Approach to Exploring the Sexualization of Female Recording Artists and the Empowerment of Women in the United States, critically examines the phenomenon of sexualization of women in the music industry and its impact on female empowerment. Through an intersectional and decolonial feminist lens, the study delves into the historical and socio-cultural contexts that shape the portrayal and perception of female recording artists in the United States.</p> <p>The research traces the roots of feminism and the commodification of racial stereotypes through music, exploring how female empowerment has been influenced by these dynamics. It questions whether the sexualization of female artists serves as a form of empowerment or perpetuates patriarchal oppression. By analyzing contemporary examples, such as the works of Lil' Kim, Cardi B, and Megan Thee Stallion, alongside historical contexts from blues to modern hip hop, the study seeks to uncover the complexities of sexualization as both a potential tool for liberation and a mechanism of subjugation.</p> <p>Empirical data is drawn from surveys with diverse participants, examining their perceptions of empowerment through sexualization. The study employs frameworks of empowerment theory, intersectional feminism, and decolonial approaches to provide a comprehensive analysis. Ultimately, it aims to understand the real impact of the sexualization of female recording artists on women's perceptions of empowerment and contribute to the discourse on gender, race, and power in the music industry.</p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy
Level thesis:degree_level
Dissertation - Public Access
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Community Psychology
Year dc:date.available
2024

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Rebeka, H.B.
Contributors dc:contributor
  • Raymond Legler
  • Suzette Fromm-Reed
  • Judah Viola

Subjects

dc:subject × 22

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier
https://digitalcommons.nl.edu/diss/839
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:digitalcommons.nl.edu:diss-1900

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
National-Louis University
Base URL
digitalcommons.nl.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Rebeka, H.B.. SHAKE YA ASS, BUT WATCH YOURSELF: AN INTERSECTIONAL AND DECOLONIAL APPROACH TO EXPLORING THE SEXUALIZATION OF FEMALE RECORDING ARTISTS AND THE EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN IN THE UNITED STATES. Dissertation - Public Access thesis, 2024. https://digitalcommons.nl.edu/diss/839