The level of sexism in Spanish music remained relatively stable until the 2000s, with the exception of a peak in the 1970s. — AFP
Music, a reflection of the society from which it emanates, is often imbued with misogynistic lyrics, which can be more or less overt.
This phenomenon is particularly visible on the Spanish music scene. A study published in the journal Cogent Arts & Humanities reveals a marked increase in sexism in Spanish song lyrics over the last 20 years, with a noticeable acceleration in the last decade.
To reach this conclusion, researchers at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona analysed the lyrics of over 2,000 songs from between 1960 and 2022.
Using a computer model trained on manually annotated data, they were able to identify specific trends. Their results are edifying: 51% of the songs studied contain sexist expressions.
This misogyny is expressed in particular through the hypersexualisation and objectification of the female body, as well as through notions of male control and possession. For example, in the songs studied, words such as “dale” (“give”), “mueve” (“move”), “menea” (“shake”), “poompoom” (referring to a twerk movement) and “dime” (“tell me”) are frequent.
“These words are verbs in the imperative form and can be interpreted as commands given by a man to a woman to move in a certain way or say certain things,” the researchers write in their study. Surprisingly, the level of sexism in Spanish music remained relatively stable until the 2000s, with the exception of a peak in the 1970s.
However, the last two decades have seen a spectacular rise, now reaching 77% of the songs analysed. In other words, of the 100 most-listened-to songs in Spain, 77 contain sexist lyrics.
“The results are shocking, as they reveal that although there have been advances in equality and the feminist struggle, the lyrics of many songs continue to perpetuate harmful stereotypes,” says the study’s main author, Laura Casanovas-Buliart, quoted in a news release.
The power of words
Several factors explain this evolution. On the one hand, music remains rooted in its social and historical context: Spain, still marked by a patriarchal heritage, is still confronted with sexist violence, despite progress in gender equality.
On the other hand, the rise of streaming platforms has reinforced this phenomenon. Unlike radio stations, which apply editorial filters, algorithms favor tracks according to their popularity.
This system creates a “feedback loop” whereby the more a sexist song is listened to, the more it is promoted, amplifying its influence.
Faced with these findings, a delicate question arises: should musical content be regulated?
Study coauthor, Carlos Castillo, suggests that streaming platforms could take their cue from social networks by limiting the distribution of songs with sexist lyrics, just as they reduce the visibility of hateful content.
“Just as we ask social media platforms to reduce the visibility of radical or xenophobic content, we could ask streaming platforms not to give as much visibility to songs that promote chauvinistic behavior,” the researcher concludes.
Indeed, song lyrics are not insignificant. They shape attitudes and influence society. But they can also be a powerful lever for change.
A case in point is Un violador en tu camino (“A Rapist in your Path”), a Chilean song denouncing sexist violence, which in 2019 became a global feminist anthem. So, while music can perpetuate stereotypes, it can also be a vector for social change. – AFP Relaxnews
