Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Keywords
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Feminism, Sexual Patriarchy
Major
American Studies
Abstract
This paper examines the feminist ideologies of Beyoncé Knowles-Carter evidenced in her album, Beyoncé, and their negative impact upon women’s achievement of gender equality. Widely acknowledged as a symbol of the modern, independent woman, Beyoncé flaunts her sexuality thereby encouraging women to engage in sexually aggressive behavior as a means of asserting equality within a patriarchal society. Through unapologetic and overt sexuality expressed in the album, she appears to be advocating “fierce feminism,” a new form of sexual equality achieved through the proud assertion of sexuality, coupled with traditional feminist ideologies of autonomy and independence. However, “fierce feminist” anthems within the album are lost amid overwhelming messages incongruent with women’s equality or empowerment. The overt promotion of feminine submission and domesticity is evidenced in the blatant sexual objectification of women and strong reprisals of traditional gender roles found throughout the album. Through in depth analysis of the lyrics and corresponding music videos of Beyoncé, this paper aims to identify the falsity of Beyoncé’s “fierce feminism” and demonstrate its regression from gender equality to sexual patriarchy.
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Dana Dudley
Funding Source or Research Program
Keck Scholars Program
Presentation Session
Session D
Location
Plaza Classroom 191
Start Date
1-4-2016 5:15 PM
End Date
1-4-2016 5:30 PM
Faux Feminism: Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and the Objectification of the Modern Woman
Plaza Classroom 191
This paper examines the feminist ideologies of Beyoncé Knowles-Carter evidenced in her album, Beyoncé, and their negative impact upon women’s achievement of gender equality. Widely acknowledged as a symbol of the modern, independent woman, Beyoncé flaunts her sexuality thereby encouraging women to engage in sexually aggressive behavior as a means of asserting equality within a patriarchal society. Through unapologetic and overt sexuality expressed in the album, she appears to be advocating “fierce feminism,” a new form of sexual equality achieved through the proud assertion of sexuality, coupled with traditional feminist ideologies of autonomy and independence. However, “fierce feminist” anthems within the album are lost amid overwhelming messages incongruent with women’s equality or empowerment. The overt promotion of feminine submission and domesticity is evidenced in the blatant sexual objectification of women and strong reprisals of traditional gender roles found throughout the album. Through in depth analysis of the lyrics and corresponding music videos of Beyoncé, this paper aims to identify the falsity of Beyoncé’s “fierce feminism” and demonstrate its regression from gender equality to sexual patriarchy.