Aussie Blokes and Music

Abstract

The issue of males' involvement in music in Australia is a multi-faceted one. The specific socio-cultural contexts related to Australian masculine identity impact significantly on males' engagement with music. While many interactions with music are positive, there are circumstances that prevent complete engagement in particular situations and with specific genres. The nature of the male role in Australian society, based in references to our indigenous heritage, convict past and the influence of iconic events such as the Eureka Stockade and Gallipoli, contribute to the creation of the “typical” Australian male. Contemporary media images, the location of sport within adolescent male psychology and the association of some musical genres with femininity can also contribute.