Women in Irish Traditional Music
By (author) Joanne Cusack
Publication date:
19 August 2025Length of book:
272 pagesPublisher
Boydell PressDimensions:
234x156mmISBN-13: 9781805437673
Traces the position, experiences and reception of women in Irish traditional music through detailed ethnographic and statistical findings.
This book is the first of its kind to engage with the larger subject of women in commercial Irish traditional music. It considers the experiences of performers in the various commercial arenas of the tradition, while also engaging in critical discussions of choice, agency, feminism and sexualisation. It reveals how the commercial music industry and Celtic music label continues to place women within a stereotypical idealised role or occupation.
The book provides new insight into the legacy of women-led bands and compilations as well as their impact on Irish traditional music over five decades. Its findings on commercial dance shows are equally significant. While these shows had a positive impact on performers, at the same time they enforced gendered, racial and heteronormative expectations.
Drawing on extensive ethnographic and statistical research, the book finds strong evidence that women and other marginalised practitioners continue to face greater challenges and different expectations when maintaining a professional career and participating in Irish traditional music. It also uncovers characteristics and dynamics related to the recreational and commercial spaces of the Irish traditional music and Irish dance scene that enable harmful and predatory behaviour.
The author's findings support understandings and aid future legislation for creating a safe, inclusive and equitable performance space for all.
Cover artwork by Claire Prouvost
This book is the first of its kind to engage with the larger subject of women in commercial Irish traditional music. It considers the experiences of performers in the various commercial arenas of the tradition, while also engaging in critical discussions of choice, agency, feminism and sexualisation. It reveals how the commercial music industry and Celtic music label continues to place women within a stereotypical idealised role or occupation.
The book provides new insight into the legacy of women-led bands and compilations as well as their impact on Irish traditional music over five decades. Its findings on commercial dance shows are equally significant. While these shows had a positive impact on performers, at the same time they enforced gendered, racial and heteronormative expectations.
Drawing on extensive ethnographic and statistical research, the book finds strong evidence that women and other marginalised practitioners continue to face greater challenges and different expectations when maintaining a professional career and participating in Irish traditional music. It also uncovers characteristics and dynamics related to the recreational and commercial spaces of the Irish traditional music and Irish dance scene that enable harmful and predatory behaviour.
The author's findings support understandings and aid future legislation for creating a safe, inclusive and equitable performance space for all.
Cover artwork by Claire Prouvost
With a six-decade long career linked by work in the area of human rights, activism and advocacy, I recognise and value the passion and dedication clearly evident in this book which shines a light on the often overlooked, unacknowledged and undervalued position of women in Irish Traditional Music. What is particularly impressive about Joanne's book, is her unwavering commitment to highlighting the broader sociocultural and political landscape of Irish society while simultaneously exposing the specific dynamics related to our tradition which continue to enable discrimination and prevent it from being a safe, inclusive space. This work and the understandings within are a welcome new resource for academics, activists, and practitioners alike. It underscores the significance of our musicians as cultural ambassadors and the necessity for our musical spaces to be accurate reflections of modern Ireland.