Gwen Palmer-Steeds

Read the essay: “What a Man Gotta Do” 1 High notes, synchronised dance moves, and slicked back hair: the performance of gender in boy band music

Why did you choose this approach/take/aspect/theory? 

I chose to study the performance of gender in boy band music, honestly, mainly because I thought it would be fun! One of the things I have found most interesting so far studying politics is discussions of ideology and how this can contribute to different forms of oppression and inequality, such as the case with patriarchal ideology and hegemonic gender roles. I’ve never been a big fan of boy band music but I figured I’d finally give One Direction a chance!

What was an interesting discovery you made during the creation of this assessment (personal or academic)? 

One of the things that shocked me the most was the sexual content in the Jonas Brothers lyrics. My impression of them beforehand had been from Disney Channel in family movies like Camp Rock and they even wore purity rings while in their teenage years so it was really surprising that they had the most sexual allusions out of all the songs I looked at.

How did the assessment challenge your thinking or approach to the learning of the course?

I think the assessment, as well as the course in general, has really opened up my approach to studying political communication in general. Boy bands are not an obvious political topic so getting to really explore how politics and power are relevant in absolutely every subject has been really valuable.

What did you enjoy most about this assessment?

I did a musical analysis as well for my research which involved learning boy band songs on my guitar and singing along to them while I analysed the chord progressions and melodies! Although much of this didn’t actually end up in the final draft it was a pretty fun afternoon.

Would you recommend the course, and why?

Yes, absolutely!! I started the course already being a huge music nerd and was really excited to combine my passion for music with what I’m studying (I’m majoring in political communication and political science). This has been one of my favourite courses I’ve taken so far and it’s been really beneficial to get to apply more general political communication theory to a specific – and fascinating – topic.