The Self in Racialized, Genderized Rap Culture
Abstract
A discussion with Dr. Matthew Oware, endowed chair in Sociology at the University of Richmond.
Dr. Oware's research focuses on the constructions of racialized and gendered identities in popular culture, Black masculinity in African-American expressive culture, and the Black family in American society. He has analyzed how popular male rap artists address notions of fatherhood and masculinity in their music. He has also examined, via content analysis of rap songs, how underground white rap artists engage in racial evasion while simultaneously perpetuating aspects of hegemonic masculinity. Overall, his work tends to center on the intersections of race, class, and gender in popular culture, incorporating theoretical frames such Black Feminist Thought, social capital, hegemonic masculinity, and colorblind racism.
To view and listen to the podcast YouTube please click on the link to the right above. You may also stream the podcast on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3efmz1zKyHREeVv07CURkF.
Document Type
Podcast
Publication Date
3-29-2026
Recommended Citation
Oware, Matthew and Muthuraj, Pooja, "The Self in Racialized, Genderized Rap Culture" (2026). Sociology and Anthropology Faculty Publications. 94.
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/socanth-faculty-publications/94