Young People’s Preferences Regarding Classical Music and Gender: The Educational Context of a Study Carried out in Poland

Abstract

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to diagnose young people’s preferences for classical music and to determine whether gender is related to them.
 THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: In the study a problem was formulated in relation to women’s and men’s musical preferences for classical music. A diagnostic survey method and a questionnaire technique were used in the research.
 THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: Although classical music is the subject of intensive educational efforts it is still on the margins of young people’s musical preferences. Among the determinants of these preferences is gender. However, this is a variable that is rarely included in research.
 RESEARCH RESULTS: No relationship was found between gender and areas of preference to- wards classical music – attitudes towards listening to it, favourite composers and forms of musical activity. However, women more often listened to classical music. Besides, more women than men expressed the opinion that the development of interest in this music lays on school, family, the media and cultural institutions.
 CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND APPLICABLE VALUE OF RESEARCH: Gender did not show a clear association with preferences for classical music. The results of the study may inspire further exploration in this area and provide a rationale for multidirectional activities to develop interests in this music.