A master thesis from Aalborg University
Mellem moderskab og musikkarriere: Hvordan samfundsmæssige diskurser former mødres musikkarriere
[Between motherhood and music careers: How societal discourses shape mothers careers in music]
Forfatter(e)
Semester
4. semester
Uddannelse
Udgivelsesår
2025
Afleveret
2025-01-06
Antal sider
79 pages
Abstract
This thesis investigates how societal discourses surrounding motherhood and gender roles in- fluence the career trajectories of female musicians in Denmark. The study applies Feminist Critical Discourse Analysis (FCDA), as developed by Michelle Lazar, to explore how power relations, gender norms, and societal expectations are embedded in discourses and how they shape women's lived experiences. FCDA serves as a lens to critically examine how societal narratives about motherhood subtly and overtly influence female musicians' opportunities, identities, and professional choices. Additionally, the study incorporates Clare Hemmings' con- cept of feminist reflexivity and affective dissonance, which highlights the emotional tensions that arise when societal expectations clash with personal aspirations and professional goals. The empirical foundation of this thesis is built on qualitative, semi-structured interviews conducted with female musicians who have navigated the intersection between motherhood and their professional careers. This methodological approach, grounded in Steinar Kvale and Svend Brinkmann’s qualitative interview methodology, prioritizes the lived experiences and subjective perspectives of participants, enabling a deep and nuanced understanding of the com- plex dynamics at play. The recruitment process was carried out through the Facebook group of Musikbevægelsen af 2019. This platform served as both a practical recruitment tool and an entry point into a community where participants had an understanding of the issues concerning gender bias within the Danish music industry. Participants were chosen based on the following criteria: They must have had an active career in the music industry before and after becoming mothers. The thesis concludes that, whilst there are practical barriers in the music industry, the con- flict between societal expectations of motherhood and the demands of a music career is not an inherent incompatibility but rather a result of deeply ingrained cultural norms and structural inequalities. These norms are rooted in traditional gender roles that frame motherhood as an all-encompassing identity.
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