Is gender role self-concept a predictor for music class attendance? Findings from secondary schools in Lower Saxony (Germany)

Abstract

Although there is an increasing number of studies investigating the effects of attending music programs and classes, research on the impact of gender role self-concept on the decision to attend music classes is limited. Current research highlights the significance of gender role self-concept in decision-making processes. Accordingly, we conducted path analysis on a sample of n = 353 fifth-graders to identify interrelations and mediation effects of students’ gender role self-concept on the attendance of a specific music class through the self-concept in music, intrinsic value of music, and other relevant aspects. The results showed that only gender role self-concept of femininity revealed direct effects on attending a music class. Students describing themselves as feminine had a more positive self-concept in music and value music more. No mediation effects could be detected. However, a negative direct path from gender role self-concept of femininity on music class attendance was observed. No effect was found for gender role self-concept of masculinity and music class attendance. The intrinsic value for music showed the highest impact on music class attendance. After discussing the main results, recommendations for researchers, teachers, and school administrators are made with regard to an accessible music education, which is independent of gender role orientations.