Musical segregation

2009
united states

Musical segregation refers to the division and separation of different styles or genres of music based on race, ethnicity, or social class. Historically, musical segregation has been present throughout various societies, where certain genres or styles were deemed appropriate for specific racial or social groups, while others were excluded or marginalized.

One prominent example of musical segregation is the racial segregation of music in the United States during the early to mid-20th century. During this time, African American musicians and artists were often restricted from performing or recording their music in mainstream venues and studios. Instead, they were confined to segregated venues, such as juke joints or speakeasies, and specialized record labels that catered specifically to African American audiences. This segregation not only limited the exposure and recognition of African American musicians but also perpetuated racial inequality within the music industry.

Similarly, musical segregation based on social class has also been prevalent in various societies. For instance, classical music has historically been associated with the upper class and considered more refined and sophisticated, whereas popular music genres like hip-hop or rock have been associated with lower classes. This segregation can lead to the perception of certain genres as more prestigious or superior, while others are seen as inferior or less valuable.

However, it is important to note that musical segregation is not solely a thing of the past. Despite progress in recent decades, there are still instances where certain music genres are predominantly associated with specific racial or social groups. This can include radio stations or music channels that cater to one specific demographic or event organizers that book artists based on their intended audience.

Overall, musical segregation represents a systemic imbalance in the music industry, where certain genres or styles are privileged or excluded based on race, ethnicity, or social class. Addressing this issue involves promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equal representation within the music industry at all levels.

Further reading

Burfeind H. (2021) "Music City R&B : Joe Simon and the Negotiations of Race and Genre in Country Soul Crossover", Lied und Populare Kultur, 66(), pp. 49-66. Waxmann Verlag GmbH. DOI: [1]

Mccluskey J.M. (2020) "This is ghetto row: Musical segregation in American college football", Journal of the Society for American Music, 14(3), pp. 337-363. Cambridge University Press. DOI: 10.1017/S175219632000022X

Gluck R.J. (2009) "Electroacoustic, creative, and jazz: Musicians negotiating boundaries", Proceedings of the 2009 International Computer Music Conference, ICMC 2009, 141-148. International Computer Music Association. DOI: [2]