Misogyny and masculinities: American boys and singing in an age of gender-expansiveness

As conceptions of gender continue to evolve, many choral educators in the U.S. are questioning longstanding traditions. Conductor-teachers who lead U.S. boychoirs often posit that making singing masculine will help to recruit boys-relying on outdated notions of toxic masculinity. Drawing on feminist post-structuralist and trans theories, I argue for a theoretical reconceptualization in terms of how boychoirs are approached. Such a change would contribute to interrogating the discourses of U.S. boychoirs and men's choirs regarding gender-inclusive practices and can provide a blueprint for choirs wanting to become more gender-inclusive. Furthermore, such work involves reconsidering the missing males issue, notions of boyhood, and traditional forms of masculinity which position boys as susceptible to toxic masculinity.

Automated summary

As gender concepts evolve, there is growing questioning of longstanding traditions in choral education in the U.S. Specifically, conductor-teachers leading U.S. boychoirs are challenged for relying on outdated toxic masculinity ideas to recruit boys. Using feminist post-structuralist and trans theories, the author argues for a theoretical reconceptualization in approaching boychoirs, aiming to challenge gender discourse and promote gender-inclusive practices. This work also involves revisiting male participation, notions of boyhood, and traditional forms of masculinity.