music in the women's institute, 1919-1969
- Categories
- Book/Boek
- Creator
- Gibson, Lorna
- Publish Year
- 2008
- Shelfmark
- GR BR 54 2008
- Thesaurus
- vrouwenkiesrecht, zang, muziek, feminisme, vrouwenorganisaties, 20e eeuw, Verenigd Koninkrijk
- Description
- Music in the Women's Institute has become stereotyped by the ritualistic singing of Jerusalem at monthly meetings. Indeed, Jerusalem has had an important role within the organization, and provides a valuable means within which to assess the organization's relationship with women's suffrage and the importance of rurality in the Women's Institute's identity. However, this book looks beyond Jerusalem by examining the full range of music making within the organization and locates its significance within a wider historical-cultural context. The Institute's promotion of conducting - a regular part of its musical activity since the 1930s - is discussed within the context of embodying overtly feminist sentiments. Lorna Gibson concludes that a redefinition of the term 'feminism' is needed and the concept of 'gendered spheres' of conducting provides a useful means of understanding the Institute's policy.