Article

121 Stories: The Impact of Gender on Participation in Irish Traditional Music

Úna Monaghan

Published in: Ethnomusicology Ireland 7 (2021)

Pages: 17-32 | Published Online: April 2021

https://doi.org/10.64208/YITP5704

Abstract

This article reports on findings from an open online call in 2018, for experiences relating to gender in an Irish traditional music context. 121 anonymous responses were received from 83 people, mostly women. A thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke 2006) resulted in the identification of two main themes to describe ways in which gender affects participation in Irish traditional music: systems, causes and examples of gender inequality, and personal experiences of the effects of gender inequality. The research demonstrates that the mechanisms and structures of the Irish traditional music scene continue to privilege the contribution of men. More generalised societal sexism is present in traditional music contexts and affects participation for women. Impacts of gender are found to be current, complex and longstanding; are present in all contexts in Irish traditional music; affect children and adults; and are not confined to the professional sphere. The study also revealed a range of attitudes to the discussion of gender in Irish traditional music. Some implications of the work are discussed in the final section.

Keywords: Gender, Irish traditional music, women

Author: Úna Monaghan