Gender is a set of attitudes, beliefs and behaviors that we typically associate with masculinity and femininity (Brym, 2011, p.76). Many times these differences are socially constructed through various means, one of which is music. There is often a lot of confusion between the definitions of "sex" and "gender". A simple way to understand the two definitions is to remember that “sex” refers to biological differences between men and women, and “gender” refers to culturally defined ways of being male or female. Through a process of gender socialization, we are able to understand how to be more masculine or feminine (Brym, 2011, p.89). Music certainly contributes to the gender socialization process. In a Sociology 100 class on February 3, 2011, a class discussion suggested that men are often characterized as violent, assertive, strong, and sexual instigators (reinforced by Pruitt, 2007). Since the beginning of time, men have been considered the dominant sex. In the same class discussion it was also suggested that women were emotional, maternal and insecure (again reinforced by Pruitt, 2007). Unfortunately, women are seen as the weaker sex in society. This simplistic way of classifying women and men is commonly referred to as gender stereotyping. Gender stereotypes are the “simplification” of common beliefs about men and women and the traits they possess (Brym, 2011, p.156). Gender roles are socially constructed expectations about how males and females should behave in social contexts (Brym, 2011, p.76). The problem with gender roles is that they are socially constructed, meaning they are constantly changing. The term assumes that there are strict differences between men and women and that the truth of t...... middle of paper ...... is part of it. The women promote concepts such as independence and freedom for women and have helped fuel the feminist movement around the world through music. In contrast, rap music is a Black male-dominated genre that promotes aggression, sexuality, and dominance over women (Conrad et al., 2009). This genre is known to be misogynistic and sexist towards women (Conrad et al., 2009). As the world continues to evolve and grow, hopefully women will get the recognition they deserve in music and the world at large. This way there can be equality between the sexes in every aspect of life. However, the only way this can happen is by giving women space in male-dominated genres like rap. Music is a social phenomenon that constantly unites people around the world. We hope that in the years to come we will be able to eradicate all inequalities within music.