Report of the Division 46 Task Force on the Sexualization of Popular Music

In 2016 the American Psychological Association (APA) Division 46 Society for Media Psychology & Technology established the Task Force on the Sexualization of Popular Music. The Task Force was deemed a need considering current trends in popular music consumption, the increased sexualization of popular music, and the potential consequences of such exposure. One of the goals of the Task Force is to (a) expand the review of current research in the area of music influences, (b) review current guidelines pertaining to music regulation, production, and airing, (c) summarize the history of music guidelines and research on the sexualization of popular music, (d) identify ethnic/racial, gender, biological sex, social class, and age differences, strengths, and vulnerabilities to sexualization relative to exposure to popular music, and (e) provide recommendations for popular music media education and literacy as well as policy and music industry recommendations. After reviewing more than 250 articles and peer-reviewed research on the topic, the Task Force concluded that increased exposure to sexualized popular music is associated with gender ideals and identity development, objectification and sexualization of women, sexual attitudes and sexual behaviors, and sexual and gendered violence. Additionally, the Task Force provides recommendations regarding future research in the area of sexualized popular music, education systems, popular music media literacy, public policy and public awareness, as well as the music industry. [This report was produced by Division 46 (Society for Media Psychology & Technology) of the American Psychological Association.]