10.3 Feminist and queer approaches to ethnomusicology

Feminist and queer approaches in ethnomusicology offer unique lenses to examine music's role in society. These frameworks challenge traditional views, exploring how gender and sexuality shape musical experiences, performances, and industry dynamics.

From analyzing gender roles in orchestras to decoding queer subtext in pop icons, these perspectives unveil hidden narratives. They highlight intersectionality, examining how factors like race and class intertwine with gender and sexuality in musical expression.

Feminist and Queer Approaches in Ethnomusicology

Feminist vs queer theoretical frameworks

Top images from around the web for Feminist vs queer theoretical frameworks

• 

  Review: 'Unapologetic: A Black, Queer, and Feminist Mandate for Radical Movements' - News and ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Theoretical Framework for Facilitating Young Musicians’ Learning of Expressive ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Theoretical Framework for Facilitating Young Musicians’ Learning of Expressive ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Review: 'Unapologetic: A Black, Queer, and Feminist Mandate for Radical Movements' - News and ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Theoretical Framework for Facilitating Young Musicians’ Learning of Expressive ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Feminist vs queer theoretical frameworks

• 

  Review: 'Unapologetic: A Black, Queer, and Feminist Mandate for Radical Movements' - News and ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Theoretical Framework for Facilitating Young Musicians’ Learning of Expressive ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Theoretical Framework for Facilitating Young Musicians’ Learning of Expressive ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Review: 'Unapologetic: A Black, Queer, and Feminist Mandate for Radical Movements' - News and ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Theoretical Framework for Facilitating Young Musicians’ Learning of Expressive ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Feminist theoretical frameworks focus on gender inequality and power dynamics critique patriarchal structures in music production and consumption emphasize women's experiences and contributions to music (Women's Music Movement)

• Queer theoretical frameworks challenge heteronormative assumptions in music explore non-binary and fluid gender identities examine LGBTQ+ representations and performances in music (Drag queen performances)

• Key differences

  • Scope: Feminist frameworks primarily address gender while queer frameworks encompass broader spectrum of gender and sexuality
  • Historical context: Feminist approaches emerged earlier queer theory developed later in the 20th century
  • Methodology: Feminist research often uses standpoint theory queer research employs deconstruction and performativity

Application of feminist and queer perspectives

• Feminist analysis techniques examine gender roles in musical ensembles and institutions analyze lyrics and musical narratives for gendered themes investigate the impact of gender on music education and career opportunities (Orchestra composition)

• Queer analysis techniques identify subversive elements in musical performances explore camp aesthetics and drag performances in music analyze queer coding in musical compositions and arrangements (David Bowie's androgynous personas)

• Intersectional approaches consider multiple identities (race, class, ethnicity) alongside gender and sexuality examine how intersecting identities influence musical expression and reception

• Case studies include feminist readings of opera and classical music traditions and queer interpretations of popular music icons and their performances (Madonna's "Vogue")

Contributions of feminist and queer ethnomusicologists

• Pioneering feminist ethnomusicologists like Ellen Koskoff studied gender and music in various cultures and Suzanne Cusick explored gender and sexuality in Western art music

• Key queer ethnomusicologists such as Philip Brett examined queerness in classical music and Jodie Taylor researched queer scenes in popular music

• Methodological innovations include reflexivity acknowledging researcher's positionality and collaborative ethnography involving research subjects in the process

• Expanded research topics encompass women's musical traditions and rituals LGBTQ+ music scenes and subcultures and non-Western gender systems in music (Hijra communities in India)

• Critiques of traditional ethnomusicology challenge male-centric historical narratives and question heteronormative assumptions in fieldwork

Intersections in musical experiences

• Intersectionality in music research examines how race, class, and ethnicity interact with gender and sexuality analyzes the impact of colonialism on gender roles in music (Reggaeton)

• Musical identities form through music consumption and play a role in LGBTQ+ community building and activism (Pride parades)

• Cross-cultural perspectives explore non-binary gender systems in traditional music practices and comparative studies of queer musical expressions across cultures (Two-spirit traditions)

• Music and embodiment examine gendered aspects of instrumental performance and technique and queer approaches to voice and vocal performance (Falsetto in pop music)

• Technology and gender impact recording technologies on gendered music production and create online spaces for queer and feminist music communities (Soundcloud)

• Music industry dynamics involve gender and sexuality in music marketing and promotion and representation and diversity in music industry leadership (Female record label executives)