Article

The (Non-)Gendered Practice of Irish Traditional Lullabies

Ciara Thompson

Published in: Ethnomusicology Ireland 7 (2021)

Pages: 123-136 | Published Online: April 2021

https://doi.org/10.64208/CYGW9605

Abstract

Throughout history, gender has directed roles and actions in life. Lullabies and femininity come together through the biological role of child-bearer, and the societal role of caregiver to the extent that femininity and motherhood are often embedded into and implicit within lullaby singing. These attributes strongly support the assumption that lullabies are traditionally a form of feminine practice and narrative discourse. This article acknowledges the woman’s voice within lullabies as well as the flexibility of the narrator’s identity. Through textual analysis of several Irish traditional lullabies, more diverse and ambiguous narrator identities are considered, broadening perceptions of the caregiver and helping to move the lullaby beyond strict associations with single-gender and maternal caregiving.

Keywords: Lullaby, gender, tradition, song, story, perspective

Author: Ciara Thompson