Towards More Inclusion in the Music Industry

Abstract

Inequalities are rife in the creative industries and the music industry is no exception. Earlier research has outlined a range of issues individuals can experience, such as age discrimination, systematic exclusion and sexual harassment. This chapter provides an overview of my own work and studies conducted with Dawn Bennett, Sally Macarthur, Cat Hope, Talisha Goh and Jawad Syed. Moreover, it draws on some of the existing literature on precarious and/or stigmatised workers in the music industry. The focus is on the lessons we can learn from human resources management in how to create a workplace that is truly inclusive and embraces diversity. Moreover, an agenda for future research is presented with the aim to spur much-needed social change. The music industry can be and should be inclusive, meaning that it is a place where all individuals feel they can be themselves, feel supported and accepted and are able to fully develop themselves both personally and professionally.