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Metal and Sexism

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Book cover Gender, Metal and the Media

Part of the book series: Pop Music, Culture and Identity ((PMCI))

Abstract

Chapter 6 considers the allegations that hard rock and metal is sexist. Talking to British women fans reveals that in their experiences, hard rock and metal is less sexist than the ‘mainstream’. Using research on sexism across a range of fields, Hill argues that understanding what counts as sexism is complex and requires critical work by fans when sexism is normalised. Listening to what fans say about the context of their experiences within their broader lives is vital for better understanding. The author argues that the genre provides moments in which women fans may gain a feeling of genderlessness. Ultimately, however, the feeling of liberation only comes through assimilation into the culture, a culture that ignores women as much as possible. Nevertheless, that temporary feeling is a valuable one.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK

    Rosemary Lucy Hill

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  1. Rosemary Lucy Hill
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Hill, R.L. (2016). Metal and Sexism. In: Gender, Metal and the Media. Pop Music, Culture and Identity. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-55441-3_6

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