Representation in Music Videos

Representations of Gender:
Males
Dominant: 

• Men are often dominant and are surrounded by submissive females, as well as generally having a higher status that can be identified through their costumes, for example, Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines,"

Violent: 

• Males tend to be associated with violence and getting into fights, often about girls or their personal image.

Singer-Songwriters: 

• Those that write their own acoustic music and tend to respect women more so than rappers and pop singers. Sometimes are viewed as "everyday gentlemen" who feel emotions like a stereotypical woman would.

Females
Dance: 

• Dance performances in videos are becoming increasingly popular, especially in pop culture, as it can show off their talent as well as being in control of their own body which reflects the changing society of western cultures, for example, Natalie La Rose's "Somebody" 

Vulnerable: 

• Females generally are shown as being very emotional and often have just had or about to have their hearts broken by a strong male lead. Relationship-based videos are popular for female artists.

Sexual Objects: 

• The camera often views the female artist through a "male gaze" where women are objectified by men. 
• There tends to be a lot of emphasis on their bodies, with lots of close ups on parts such as their legs, lips, eyes and stomach in personal areas of a location, e.g. a bed. 
• For example, in Gwen Stefani's "Cool," she's rolling around on her bed with shorts and heels on for the male gaze.