A qualitative approach to gender differences in cultural taste in Croatia

This contribution explores the constructions of gender differences in musical taste and practices connected with music. It is based on the gender theories of creating difference through gender practices as doing masculinity and femininity (West & Zimmerman, 1987 ; Connell and Messerschmidt, 2005 ; Lovell, 2004), and the conceptualization of cultural taste as a social relation (Bourdieu, 1984). It views the construction of symbolic boundaries and ‘boundary maintenance’ (Scwalbe et. al, 2000) as the ‘constant reachievement’ of gender identity, particularly integrated into everyday lives through music (Dibben, 2002). An exploratory qualitative approach utilises thematic and pattern analysis of the 22 semi-structured interviews (sampled for the achievement of initial heterogeneity in age, education and city districts while focusing on young adults) in the city of Split, Croatia. The work explores the construction and ascribing the ideas/labels of ‘feminine’ and ‘masculine’ in music preferences as well as in modes of listening/enjoying music and interactional practices (doing gender differences related to music while in situations of social interaction). It offers the description of gender boundaries in music preferences and practices and discusses the gendered practices of staying within / crossing the boundaries.