Seeking social justice: A critical understanding of reggaeton narratives

Abstract

This thesis is informed by Freirean pedagogy and studies Reggaeton narratives as a part of the Puerto Rican popular culture sphere. Thus, it establishes an argument which promotes the study of Reggaeton narratives in academia, but more specifically in the Puerto Rican pedagogical setting. This is done by examining and by providing an in depth analysis of four Reggaeton narratives along with the context of the artists within a Freirean conception of education in order to illustrate how Reggaeton narratives can foster a deeper awareness on the injustices and acts of oppression unprivileged communities face and thus, promoting the development of critical consciousness and social justice. Therefore, this thesis takes into perspective studies of ideology and hegemony to not only further the understanding of the ideologies presented in the narratives, but to understand how they can challenge the hegemonic standard of the Puerto Rican society.