The Beyonce Effect: Essays on Sexuality, Race and Feminism

By Adrienne Trier-Bieniek and Adrienne M. Trier-Bieniek

Book Overview

Since her late-1990s debut as a member of the R&B trio Destiny's Child, Beyonce Knowles has garnered both praise and criticism. While some consider her an icon of female empowerment, others see her as detrimental to feminism and representing a negative image of women of color. Her music has a decidedly pop aesthetic, yet her power-house vocals and lyrics focused on issues like feminine independence, healthy sexuality and post-partum depression give her songs dimension and substance beyond typical pop fare.

This collection of new essays presents a detailed study of the music and persona of Beyonce--arguably the world's biggest pop star. Topics include the body politics of respectability; feminism, empowerment and gender in Beyonce's lyrics; black female pleasure; and the changing face of celebrity motherhood.

Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0786499745
• ISBN13: 9780786499748
• Release Date: July 2016
• Publisher: McFarland & Company
• Length: 228 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 8.8"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher