War of the Sexes - Women in the Music Scene

The so-called ''War of the Sexes'' is a phenomenon you can find in every field of life. On the one hand it is for example a fight between male and female employees on the other hand maybe the struggle in topical policies. A further very important field where this kind of war is more obvious than anywhere else is the music-scene.
This essay takes a closer look at women in the music-scene.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• The so-called "War of the Sexes"
• Furthermore also very talented women were not allowed to perform in bars
• Rebellion, as the Dixie Chicks tried to carry out, and which is a very important characteristic of the phenomenon of pop-music has always been male-dominated
• During the 90s suddenly there was a kind of revolution in the music-scene that put many female musicians forward.

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This essay explores the challenges faced by women in the music industry, examining the historical and contemporary dynamics that contribute to a perceived "war of the sexes" in this field. The author argues that while progress has been made, women continue to face discrimination and are often reduced to their physical appearance rather than their artistic abilities.

• Gender roles and stereotypes in the music industry
• Historical and contemporary obstacles faced by female musicians
• The role of "Girl-Power" and its impact on female empowerment
• The ongoing struggle for equality in music-related fields
• The commercialization of sex and its influence on female artists

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• This chapter introduces the concept of "War of the Sexes" in the music industry, highlighting the historical dominance of male artists and the stereotypical roles often assigned to women. It argues that while women can be successful, they are often treated as objects and their talent is overshadowed by their physical appearance.
• This section explores the historical exclusion of women from certain music genres and venues, citing the perceived association with sex work and the pressure for female musicians to be sexually attractive. It highlights the limited opportunities and the tendency to relegate women to “Girl-Groups” where their artistic freedom is restricted.
• This chapter discusses the role of rebellion in pop music and the tendency for male dominance in this realm. It points to examples like the Dixie Chicks who challenge societal norms, highlighting the double standard faced by female artists who are often ridiculed or dismissed for their outspokenness.
• This section focuses on the rise of "Girl-Power" in the 1990s, exemplified by the Spice Girls. The author argues that while this movement initially empowered women, it eventually led to a new form of manipulation where female artists were expected to fit a narrow and often exploitative mold.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This essay delves into the complex themes of gender roles, sexism, and equality in the music industry. It examines the historical and contemporary struggles faced by female musicians, exploring the influence of stereotypes, commercialization, and the "Girl-Power" movement. The essay highlights the ongoing fight for recognition and the need for a more inclusive and equitable music scene.

Details

• College: University of Potsdam
• Course: Cultural Studies
• Grade: 2,0
• Author: Carolin Hartmann (Author)
• Publication Year: 2005
• Pages: 7
• Catalog Number: V73633
• ISBN (eBook): 9783638796163
• Language: English
• Tags: Sexes Women Music Scene Cultural Studies