Parkinson, Diana;
(2020)
A mixed methods study exploring diversity and inclusion in adult amateur singing groups in a multicultural urban setting.
Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College of London).
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Abstract
Singing is reported to be one of most popular artistic activities enjoyed by European adults, with 2.14 million people reported to be taking part in group singing in the UK. However, issues of diversity and inclusion have rarely been discussed in the literature relating to adult amateur group singing. Using a mixed methods approach, the aim of this exploratory study was, therefore, to understand more about the factors that affect diversity and inclusion within adult amateur group singing. The study adopted a conceptual framework for investigating inclusion that was developed in the workplace and that focused on understanding how groups’ practices, climate and leadership can affect their members’ perceived inclusion. Interviews with 31 group representatives and a participant questionnaire completed by 383 members of adult amateur singing groups in a multicultural urban area revealed that diversity among and within the participating singing groups appeared to be both more complex and fluid than has generally been reported. The groups varied in size, composition and repertoire, and the diversity of their membership, while superficially appearing to show little overall diversity, varied across groups. The study revealed high levels of perceived inclusion among respondents, and this did not generally appear to be affected by diversity characteristics. However, group practices, group climate and, to a lesser extent, group leadership all had a significant effect on how included individuals felt in their groups, while repertoire emerged as the most significant factor affecting both diversity of membership and perceived inclusion within the participating groups. As well as highlighting potential benefits for singing groups of promoting inclusion, the findings suggest that for singing groups to successfully embrace diversity within their membership, this must be nurtured by the inclusiveness of the groups themselves.
| Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Qualification: | Ph.D |
| Title: | A mixed methods study exploring diversity and inclusion in adult amateur singing groups in a multicultural urban setting |
| Event: | UCL (University College of London) |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | Copyright © The Author 2020. Original content in this thesis is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) Licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Any third-party copyright material present remains the property of its respective owner(s) and is licensed under its existing terms. Access may initially be restricted at the author’s request. |
| UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education > UCL Institute of Education UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education > UCL Institute of Education > IOE - Culture, Communication and Media |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10117285 |
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