Existing as a Woman in Music

Abstract

Female-identifying musicians face sexism and various forms of discrimination within the music industry from their male counterparts. This sexism reveals itself in the forms of gender-based pay disparity, sexual harassment and assault from men, and the enforcement of patriarchal ideals and expectations. Due to the fact that men hold the most power in the industry, this discrimination is a repeated cycle, and continues to diminish the potential success, sense of self worth, and importance of women in the patriarchal world of music. Many women have spoken out against this injustice, in the form of journalism, the Riot Grrrl movement, and expression through music itself. It is crucial to understand how this bigotry has progressed over time, as well as how both men and women can fight back against this discrimination. This is essential in order to put an end to patriarchal systems that actively work against women and aim to diminish their sense of worth and potential in the music industry.