Sexing the Groove

Using a variety of methodologies and a wide range of case studies, the contributors describe and debate how pop music performers, subcultures, fans and texts construct and deconstruct "masculine" and "feminine" identities.
Why is record collecting associated with men and not women? Why are female singers well-known but female guitarists and drummers overlooked? Are record companies misogynistic? What different ideas about masculinity are represented by Bruce Springsteen and the Pet Shop Boys? Can there be such a thing as a Female Elvis? How do "Take That" videos represent the erotic male body. This study presents answers to these questions and many more, bringing together music and cultural theorists to explore the relationship between popular music, gender and sexuality. Using a variety of methodologies and a wide range of case studies, from Mick Jagger to Riot Grrrls, the contributors describe and debate how pop music performers, subcultures, fans and texts construct and deconstruct "masculine" and "feminine" identities. It is structured into sections focusing on rock music culture, masculinities and popular music, women and popular music, and music, image and identity. Each section begins with an introductory essay which contextualizes the individual essays and situates them within the overall argument of the collection.