Music and patriarchal narratives

Analysis of internalized stereotypes in the representation and self-image of female composers from Loja

Abstract

The research describes the presence of women in the music of Loja, from a gender perspective, to reveal how certain patriarchal structures have permeated in descriptions constructed by male authors as well as in their own autobiographical narratives. Hence, the objective is to unravel these narratives and show how they have contributed to a limited vision of women in music, highlighting the importance of a critical review that values their work from a perspective free of stereotypes. The methodology employed is feminist musicology and historiography; through a review of primary and secondary sources it has been corroborated that, within the scarce studies of women artists, it has been a common denominator to perceive that many authors have focused on highlighting the artistic contribution of women with patriarchal epithets, ignoring substantial contributions. Thus, descriptions focused on “feminine” attributes, such as motherhood and beauty, have been prioritized, perpetuating stereotypes that relegate their relevance. The study shows a certain internalization of roles that have been replicated in their own narratives. It is common for some women to refer to their own activity as secondary to family responsibilities, or that their musical career has developed after personal events.