Date of Award

2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

English

Committee Chair

Eletra Gilchrist-Petty

Committee Member

Candice Lanius

Committee Member

Gaines Hubbell

Subject(s)

African Americans in mass media, Hip-hop--Influence, Rap (Music)--Social aspects, Love--United States, Man-woman relationships--United States

Abstract

Hip-hop has grown immensely since its invention in the 1970s. No longer just a musical genre, its influences can be seen in all facets of culture, especially within the African American community in which it was created. Because so much of the commercially successful hip-hop media is shrouded in themes such as violence, abuse, and misogyny, it is important to examine its effects on its consumer. This study examined the effects of hip-hop consumption on romantic relationships, as perceived by African American/black women. Through thematic analysis and the theoretical framework of Mere Exposure effect, findings revealed that the participants correlated five topics between hip-hop media and African American relationships: loyalty, community reflection, betrayal, relationship goals, and communication.

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