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Gender and Success in Getting “Heard”: How Orchestral Programming Choices Promote Women Composers

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  • Ju Hyun Park
  • Laura E. A. Braden

Abstract

Women composers are significantly underrepresented in classical music. While recent calls for gender equity have prompted some change, symphony orchestras still grapple with balancing canonical male repertoires and inclusive programming. This study examines how symbolic association networks, or networks constructed through programming decisions that group composers together in concert, affect the recognition of women composers. Using data on 1901 composers through 78,018 performances, we employ negative binomial models to show that symbolic network dynamics confer gendered advantages. Gender‐homophilous ties benefit male but not female composers and performances with prestigious composers significantly enhance women composers' visibility. Our findings suggest mixed‐gender programming, where women composers are grouped with canonical male composers, offers a strategic path toward equity without sacrificing traditional canonical repertoires. Throughout the research, we discuss how these results have broader implications for the role gender‐diverse teams play in shaping career and reputational outcomes across professional fields.

Suggested Citation

  • Ju Hyun Park & Laura E. A. Braden, 2026. "Gender and Success in Getting “Heard”: How Orchestral Programming Choices Promote Women Composers," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(2), pages 333-349, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:gender:v:33:y:2026:i:2:p:333-349
    DOI: 10.1111/gwao.70043
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cristian L. Dezsö & David Gaddis Ross, 2012. "Does female representation in top management improve firm performance? A panel data investigation," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(9), pages 1072-1089, September.
    2. Mary Ann Glynn, 2000. "When Cymbals Become Symbols: Conflict Over Organizational Identity Within a Symphony Orchestra," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 11(3), pages 285-298, June.
    3. Jeffrey Pompe & Lawrence Tamburri & Johnathan Munn, 2011. "Factors that influence programming decisions of US symphony orchestras," Journal of Cultural Economics, Springer;The Association for Cultural Economics International, vol. 35(3), pages 167-184, August.
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