hegemonic masculinity in rock music

Ideology & HegemonyIdeology & Hegemony

What is ideologyWhat is ideology

» Often referred to as the system of ideas, values and beliefs which an individual, group or society holds to be true or important;

» These are shared by a culture or society about how that society should function

Dominant IdeologiesDominant Ideologies» That which is seen to be

shared by the most influential social agents

the churches, the law, education, government, the media etc.)

may be described as dominant ideology.

“I want a bigger more expensive house”

“I MUST look a certain way to be considered beautiful.”

“I place VALUEon commodities such as my shiny new iPad.”

Counter to Dominant Ideology

Counter to Dominant Ideology

» Ideas that are different from these may be called,

» oppositional, alternative, subversive, subordinate or counter to dominant ideology.

» The process by which dominant ideology is maintained is called

We are being influenced without the need for physical force

DO AS I SAY!!

DO AS I SAY!!

HEGEMONY?

Applied to MediaApplied to Media

» All media texts, and audiences, bear evidence of ideologies of one kind or another, whether directly or indirectly. Terrorism is a

Threat to the USWay of life

‘Rock is Cock’‘Rock is Cock’

Hegemonic Masculinity in Rock Music

Hegemonic Masculinity in Rock Music

See Album sleeve for Iron Maiden. Note down the masculine imagery in this photo.

Cock-RockCock-Rock

» Key terms relating to rock music revolve around male sexual dominance, sexual prowess and male-bonding.

» These concepts are ‘normalised’ by repetition which results in the representation of gender relationships being seen as ‘natural’ and therefore remain unquestioned. (hegemonic)

» It is for this reason that the genre has a predominantly male fan base.

Applying theory - Phallocentrism

Applying theory - Phallocentrism

» Freud’s concept of phallocentrism is embodied in Rock Music as the guitar can be seen to be phallic symbol. A symbol of dominance and power.

» The phallus “functions as the primary signifier of sexual difference and as a symbol of the Father, and thereby the Law”

» Therefore if masculinity connotes control and power, femininity connotes passivity and subjugation.

Textual AnalysisTextual Analysis» Note down areas of overt

masculinity in the Motorhead video.

» This can include all areas of verbal and non verbal communication.

» http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=4BstyQX-kQQ&feature=related

If you can’t beat them join them

Post-feminism

If you can’t beat them join them

Post-feminism» Courtney Love infamously

named her band ‘Hole’. » Rise of women ‘behaving

badly’ the ‘ladette’ – women adopting masculine qualities, aggressive attitudes and behaviour.

Possible TitlesPossible Titles

» Can you think of some research titles in the area of masculinity in music. (not necessarily rock music)