Report: Survey reveals gender-based discrimination
- Title: ‘Be the Change: Gender Equality in the Music Industry’
- Authors: Believe, TuneCore, Luminate
- Published in: 2023
- Keywords: gender-based discrimination, gender equity, sexual harassment, FLINTA*, trans, non-binary, mental health, inclusion, intersectionality
‘Be the Change: Gender Equality in the Music Industry’ is a groundbreaking study that provides an intimate look into the experiences of communities in the music industry and how gender-based discrimination impacts them. The survey is conducted every year. The 2023 report explores the opinions and experiences of more than 1,650 creators, industry professionals and executives from 109 countries around the world.
This report is written by Believe (one of the world’s leading digital music companies), TuneCore (a leading development partner for self-releasing artists) and Luminate (a data and insights company for the entertainment industries).
Key findings include the following themes:
- the Perception Gap (e.g., women and non-binary individuals are more likely than men to perceive gender discrimination as a problem)
- Identities & Intersectionality (e.g., gender discrimination often goes hand in hand with other forms of discrimination like racism, leading to compounded discrimination in the workplace)
- Sexual Harassment & Abuse (e.g., women (34%), trans individuals (42%), and non-binary individuals (43%) report being sexually harassed or abused at work in the music industry.)
- Health & Well-Being (e.g., women, trans, and non-binary individuals are all more likely to report struggling with mental health since joining the music industry)
- Recognition & Compensation (e.g., the gender wage gap)
- Leadership (e.g., women, underrepresented ethnic groups, and transgender individuals are all more likely to report being passed up for a promotion)
- Opportunities For Advancement (e.g., women and transgender individuals are more likely to claim that they don’t have access to training)
The report offers a glossary and other resources that readers might find useful. It also highlights distinct issues and actionable solutions to create a more equitable future for all genders in the music industry. While the ‘Be the Change’ study is an informational resource, all calls to action are important instructions that individuals can advocate for and music organizations can act upon.