(In)Equality and the Influence of Reggaeton Music as a Socialisation Factor: A Critical Analysis

Abstract Reggaetón music is very popular among Spanish speaking young people of high school-age. Thus, we intend to examine the values of (in)equality between women and men transmitted in the lyrics of this music genre. Using a Maxqda software-assisted Thematic Analysis methodology, the lyrics of 65 reggaetón songs with the most commercial success during 2020 have been analysed. The results suggest that the most commercialised reggaetón continues to reproduce certain traditional masculine stereotypes (machismo). In the discussion we compare and contrast alternative approaches and positions concerning the reggaetón genre. We feel it is necessary that educational spaces adopt a critical and consciousness raising approach to reggaetón due to the powerful influence exerted on young people regarding sexual stereotypes.