Gender and Instrument Associations, Stereotypes, and Stratification

This literature review examines and synthesizes 30 years of research into the relationship between gender and musical instruments. Specifically, the review focuses on how this relationship affects instrument selection by grade school students entering a school music program. Topics include the gender typing of musical instruments, instrument preferences of young (preband or preorchestra) students, beliefs about which gender should play which instrument, gender influences during the instrument selection process, the status of gender stratification within instrumental ensembles, and perceptions of musicians in relation to their gender and instrument. Also discussed are theories as to why gender associations and stereotypes occur within instrumental music, including social role theory, and ways in which researchers have attempted to counteract gender as a factor in the instrument selection process. The review concludes with implications drawn from the body of research and direction for future studies.