This research analyzed the gender distribution of the songwriters, producers, and performers of chart-topping music for the 21st century, over a twenty-year period. Some studies have suggested that women are vastly under-represented, however, this amount of data has not been cited nor analyzed previously. Selected from all 21st century songs in Billboard magazine’s Hot 100 end-of-year charts (N=210), this research analyzed gender distribution of these participants (N=1624). While the results are indicative of previously reported trends showing women holding a small percentage of creative roles in popular charting music, the data indicate an upward momentum of women holding credited positions on top albums. The discussion includes further results and educational implications as well as reifying how these data are rapidly changing.

Authors: Bridges, Chandler; Strong, Haley; Overton, Aaron, Berish, Justin
Affiliations: Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; The Los Angeles Film School, 6363 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, USA(See document for exact affiliation information.)
AES Convention: 150 (May 2021) Paper Number: 10497
Publication Date: May 24, 2021
Subject: Education

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