Do you think sexism exists in the gospel music industry?
For purposes of our discussion, let’s say that sexism can be either of two things–
1. Discrimination based on a person’s gender; and
2. Enforcing attitudes and/or behavior based on what one believes to be “traditional” gender roles
I think it’s an issue in all of humanity, so I assume we would see traces of it in gospel music.
I’ve heard about it as it relates to industry professionals– I’ve heard businesswomen in gospel speak about being viewed as inferior to their male counterparts, despite being more qualified or more experienced, in some instances.
Interestingly, though, some of the most prominent indie companies in gospel are run by women– Ignition PR, One EnTiTy, The Bellamy Group, the ND Company, Eye 4 Gospel, Black Gospel Promo, Gospel Today Magazine… and MANY others. I wonder if any of their stories of striking out on their own include instances of sexism that they simply couldn’t take any longer.
But what about with artists? Do female gospel artists suffer at radio? Do female gospel artists not get booked for as many gigs? Are they considered inferior in some way?
Or is there “reverse” sexism as it relates to artists? Do male artists get the short end of the stick? Are there fewer opportunities for them in gospel than for female artists?
Or is it specific to the format? For example, there are clearly more male choir directors and ensemble leaders than females (partly why I miss Natalie Wilson & SOP so much, and one of the reasons that we loved Dr. Mattie Moss Clark)…
Maybe I’m just asking about something that is not there. But maybe it is there.
What do you think? Have you seen things in the industry– either as it relates to the biz professionals or the artists– that look like unfair treatment based on the person’s gender?
Talk to me!
I think the modern church as we know it is more sexist than we care to admit, so to think that this also occurs in the gospel industry is not a stretch. I think we have constructed some nicely rigid boxes that have helped frame our thinking in terms of who we expect to see leading a choir/esemble, has the ability to sit in the president's chair of a record company, who is able to minister more effectively. There is a lot of un-doing that has to take place for some right-doing to begin. *shrugs*
Sexism is worldwide the gospel industry is not excluded from this stigma. When in the wrong hands the word of God can be twisted to project a very biased and bigoted agenda. For example slave masters using it to control and keep slaves "in their place". If it were not for women the church much less the gospel industry would have crumbled ages ago but they still face unfair treatment in the boardroom decision making process. In my opinion on the stage ,however, a women by the sheer sound , rage and power of her singing voice commands more attention than a man but she needs to have more of a say in the decision and business side of the industry Vicki Winans is a stellar example of a women who handles her business both on the stage and in business. We need more like her so fellas MAKE ROOM :)
Good post. I actually thought that female gospel artist had it better than the males lol. Pretty much because a lot of times, for example, it seems like people are more excited to see the woman sing because they can hit notes that most men can't hit so theres an excitement factor. Not saying this is for everone tho. It's just ppl are under the impression that women can do it better and sound better than men. You can even find a lot of males try to imitate female singers on youtube for example lol. Same goes with choirs. Ppl love to hear the sopranos sing if anything lol. If the sopranos and altos ain't right, 9 times out of 10 folk don't wanna see or hear em.
Yea, there are DEFFF more male choir/ensemble directors than female. That's something I've always noticed! Other than that, nothing stands out as uneven... Anthony, I actually get more excited to hear male vocalists. I'm not sure why, I just like more male than female artists, and not just in gospel.. just in general.
I don't think there's sexism per se on the business side - Several key execs in positions of power are women. Where I think Females may get the short end of the stick - so to speak - would be labels are less apt to sign newer female acts because budgets for women are often way higher than men.
One thing I have noticed is not too many female musicians in gospel music. I never understood that since you do see females in church bands but how many are playing for the big artists?
This topic makes me want to share this story. I was in a music industry seminar and I heard a Industry Executive mention the majority of the music consumers are women. He then said that women are usually not gonna buy other women CD with out major critique first. I thought this was interesting. He then explain that women are critical of other women with saying things like why does she have that on?, who does she think she is and simply judging them based on appearance. He suggested thats why it may be harder for a promoter to do an all women ticket.
Not only are there way more male musicians, but where are the female Kirk Franklin's, James Fortunes', Donald Lawrence's you know the ones who talk along with the music. I would present a more formal name for it if I had one, I suppose Directors could work however I always think of them with their backs to the congregation and "Directing" the choir as to what to sing next. How about Talkrectors? Where are their female counterparts? Is there something about a spoken word, even to music that seems more "pastoral" thus women talkrectors are shunned upon? I think I like that word by the way! :)