Music, masculinities, and violence: a fluid state of dominance in contemporary music

This article examines the cultural representations emerging from the songs that dominate contemporary Italian music weekly charts, based on qualitative research conducted over a six-year period (2018–2023). The focus is on the representations of masculinity and violence, both intimate and broader forms, expressed in these lyrics, aiming to understand the role violence plays in shaping gender identities and interpersonal relationships. Viewed as both products and producers of society, music provides a valuable lens for exploring how gender is ‘done’ through situated configurations of practice. The analysis identifies two primary relational configurations of masculinity: an ‘intimate’ masculinity legitimated by a compliant ‘angelic’ femininity, and a ‘criminal’ masculinity co-constituted by ‘disruptive’ feminine figures. Findings highlight that masculine dominance is not an inherent trait, but a relational accomplishment achieved through the active subordination of these complementary femininities. Furthermore, despite the multicultural background of many artists, the lyrics notably lack references to second-generation identities, prioritising instead a hegemonic project centred on street credibility and gender hierarchy.