Age is just a number: Persistent participation in Electronic Dance Music by women over 40 years

Abstract

Participation in electronic dance music events has a range of benefits for health and wellbeing and attracts a broad range of attendees, including those who no longer fit within the category of ‘youth’. Although a broadening demographic indicates growing diversification and inclusivity within club culture, experiences differ between groups and reveal socially constructed norms associated with age and gender. This study investigated older women’s motivations for and experiences of participating in Electronic Dance Music (EDM) and explored how this group sustains and maintains their involvement. One hundred and thirty-six female clubbers aged 40 years or over (age range = 40–65 years) completed a survey. EDM participation played a central role in women’s mental and physical health and provided them with social connectedness, an outlet for self-expression, and a release from pressures of daily life. Despite these positive benefits, participation was not without challenges as women reported navigating other people’s views on what was deemed to be ‘appropriate’ behaviour for older, female clubbers and highlighted grappling with their own prejudices about age. The research identified strategies they use to manage their continued participation in a music scene traditionally associated with youth and considered the extent to which their experiences of ageing affect and shape their involvement.