"Change is possible when we reflect, learn, and choose to grow. We also have hope that we refuse to let history repeat itself. ”
Recently, in celebration of International Working Women's Day, TuneCore/Believe partnered with entertainment data company Luminate to release a gender equality study "Be The Change" and share their research on gender inequality in the music industry.
To take action against sexism, bias and inequality in the music industry, this year's study surveyed more than 1,500 professionals from major and independent labels from 109 different countries, including creators, publishers, live music executives, agents, publicists, radio staff and more, according to the report.
Some of the issues addressed in the report include sexual harassment in the workplace, the need to change hiring practices, continuing education on how employees deal with such issues, and the need to diversify the cast of entertainers at live events.
Among them, the most striking finding is that 34% of women in the music industry who participated in this year's study had experienced sexual harassment or abuse at work; For transgender and non-binary people, this figure increases to 42% and 43%, respectively.
In addition, more than half of music industry professionals and creators surveyed believe men are paid more than others in the industry, although people in Africa (38%), Asia Pacific (42%) and Latin America and the Caribbean (44%) are less likely to see gender discrimination in the music industry as a problem, while industry professionals and creators in Europe (59%) and North America (68%) are more likely to see it as a problem.
The report also features singer-songwriter and actress JoJo to write an introduction detailing her 20 years of struggle and achievements as an artist.
"Change is possible when we reflect, learn, and then choose to grow. We also have hope that we refuse to let history repeat itself," JoJo wrote, "and next year, I will celebrate my 20th anniversary as a public figure in the music industry, a journey that began when I was a teenager." When I think back on that time, I realize that I had a hard time separating my identity as an adult woman from my identity as an entertainer. While these blurred lines come from external and internal influences, I've been wondering lately whether my male counterparts consider themselves 'male artists'. I suspect the term isn't as common to them as the term 'female artist' is for me and my female counterparts in the music industry, whether in the media, at business meetings, or in the studio. ”
The report's research also featured commentary and insights from Halestorm's female vocalist Lzzy Hale and artist and activist Jessica Betts, as well as global signatories from Believe and TuneCore, including Alysha Brilla in Canada, Erika Vidrio in Mexico, Beatrice Dellacasa in Italy and Shalmali Kholgade in India. Everyone has expressed their personal opinions on gender inequality and inequities in the industry.
"The good news is that Be The Change is now in its third year of research and we are already seeing the impact of this research. It has been cited by the United Nations and widely discussed in creator and executive circles across the industry. TuneCore CEO Andreea Gleeson said in a statement, "But the bad news is — we need more changes." As individuals and as a whole, we must respond to the call, take action, and start small, and if each of us does something different every day, week, month, year, we will see a huge change in the industry... We also hope that the insights provided by this year's Be The Change research will encourage more industry peers to join us in shaping a more respectful, diverse and transparent music industry for all. ”
A closer look at the Be The Change report reveals seven key findings about gender inequality in the music industry:
First, the cognitive gap
The music industry is clearly divided on this. Less than 60% of artists and industry insiders believe that gender discrimination is a major problem in the industry. Women and non-binary people are more likely than men (-32%) to see sexism as a problem, +28% and +46% respectively.
Second, identity intersectionality
There is a high level of gender discrimination in the music industry, which is exacerbated by discrimination based on marginalized groups. Poor representation and symbolism complicate the experiences of women and individuals with a wide range of gender orientations in the industry. Minority women, for example, were 114 percent more likely than average to believe that their hiring decisions were based in part on race, ethnicity, tribal background or country of origin.
Sexual harassment and abuse
In the music industry, the incidence of sexual harassment and abuse is alarming and often targets women and individuals with a wide range of gender orientations. At the same time, the industry has neither provided adequate resources for survivors nor allowed perpetrators to be punished accordingly. According to the report, women in the industry (34%), transgender (42%) and non-binary (43%) reported experiencing sexual harassment or abuse at work in the music industry.
4. Health and well-being
Mental health is a common issue for women, non-binaries, and transgender people in the music industry. Women (76%), transgender (82%) and non-binary individuals (89%) are all more likely than average to report that they have had mental health problems since joining the music industry. People with disabilities also face poor accommodation and lack of resources within the industry.
5. Recognition and remuneration
The wage gap continues to affect women and gender-biased professionals and creators in the music industry, which is a barrier to a prosperous career. About half (53%) of industry insiders believe cisgender men earn more than others in the music industry. Half of women said their or others' professional and vocational experience would be questioned, affecting their earning potential in the industry.
6. Leadership
In the music industry, there are fewer women with power and professionals with broad gender orientations, and barriers to leadership positions. 58% of respondents disagree with the idea that everyone has an equal chance of success in the music industry. Women (+30%), minorities (+30%) and transgender (+74%) were all more likely to report being denied a promotion.
7. Promotion opportunities
Women (+42%) and transgender (+98%) are more likely to say they have no access to professional training/development opportunities. There are also barriers to entry, with only 41 percent of industry insiders and creators currently recommending a job in the music industry, and 22 percent recommending a job in the industry if it promoted gender equality.
To combat sexism, bias and inequality in the music industry, the study provides a call to action for the music industry, human resources executives, individuals with a wide range of men, women and gender orientations, and creators. For example, the research team calls on industry to create a more inclusive industry by creating discussion spaces, such as workshops, that encourage dialogue about gender equality in the industry; It also calls on women or individuals with a wide range of gender orientations to speak out about safety issues and inequalities in the music industry by reporting personal or witnessed cases of sexism.