Boy Bands VS Girl Bands

I want it that way. Bootylicious. Spice up the World! WANNABE! You know them. You love them. Boy bands and girl bands. But, how have their marketing strategies and media representation evolved over time, especially when it comes to gender, identity, and the ever-changing music landscape? Despite cultural differences, issues like sexuality, representation, and gender expression are still at the forefront of how these bands are marketed, consumed, and remembered. The ongoing narrative of empowerment vs. objectification continues to unfold on stage, leaving us to question how much of the spectacle is actually in the hands of the performers themselves.

These days, American boy and girl bands have lost some of their former glory. Part of it might be because they require more investment than solo acts, and with culture already oversaturated, it’s tougher to make 3+ people world-renowned and interesting compared to just one. But K-pop groups? They're still on the rise. While K-pop could warrant an article of its own, it’s worth noting that K-pop groups generally follow a specific formula for success—very different from the chaotic, messy bands we grew up with in the ‘90s and 2000s. But even the most popular ones, still follow the very similar methods we’ve grown to except from bands.

Girl bands, it could be argued, are often more sexualized by the media—or at least, the way they present themselves tends to be more overtly sexual. Meanwhile, boy bands are sexualized too, but it's typically in the dreamy "heartthrob" kind of way. When girl bands get sexy, though, it’s in-your-face latex, leather, and revealing outfits. No matter how girl groups choose to present themselves, they will always be sexualized in the media. So, does the shift from the ultra-sexualized look to a more subtle “heartthrob” vibe represent an effort to reclaim control? 

In the ‘90s and early 2000s, we saw a clear divide between the male-gaze and female-gaze, but in today's more fluid gender landscape, is that still the case? Or have we evolved into a new wave of female empowerment? From a marketing standpoint, girl bands offer more diversity in their strategies compared to boy bands, which are often targeted toward teens and young girls. While this isn’t a new perspective, it’s fascinating to think about how young women shape the music scene—especially when it comes to both boy and girl bands. 

I’d argue that what’s being empowered might not be what we think. Even now, female artists tend to present themselves more overtly sexually than their male counterparts. Sure, we’ve got the rise of the Harry Styles-esque glitter jumpsuit-wearing man, but there's still no guy throwing it back in a thong like Meg Thee Stallion. (Not that I’d want to see that, but you get the point.) Lil Nas X might be the exception—blurring gender norms in a league of his own, but it still pales in comparison to the way female musicians are often pushed to embrace sexuality whether it fits their style or not, in other words “sex sells” and everyone is always selling something.

This also ties into the question of sexuality: If young women are the main audience for music media, why is there such a focus on sexualizing women? Are we all just gay? (Well, yes!) Or do we genuinely connect with the idea of women confidently performing in sexy outfits, perhaps reflecting who we wish we could be or believe we are, even if reality doesn’t quite align? This raises crucial questions about identity, representation, and the complex role women play in shaping the music industry.

Written by Natasha Teiman 

Directed by K Pereira @kaleb.pereira922

Photography by Callum Floris @calamityfloris

Styled by K Pereira & KateLynn Herrera @katelynn.herrera

Production: Chloe Kaleah Stewart @chloe.kaleah, Amanda Manson @_.amanddaaa, Mark Bluemle @barks.mindd

Talent: Amaris Blyden @amarisvctoria, Samantha Parodi @sa.man.th.aaa, Daryanna Marmolejos @lifewlegendary, Aidan Ulery @aidan.uleryy, Grant Mateo @grantmat_, Jake Pranian - @jakepranian