Denim and leather : motivations for women's involvement in heavy metal subculture in Malta

Abstract

Heavy metal is a much debated, male dominated, musical genre, that often attracted moral panic (Haenfler, 2016). Despite the masculinity of the genre’s aesthetics it is still attractive to women. The aim of this study is to analyse the motivations of women’s involvement in the heavy metal subculture in Malta. It investigates how women in this subculture view themselves and their role/s in this group. Additionally, it delves into how and why they contribute to heavy metal subculture and also explores their progression in the community. This study was conducted by using the qualitative approach. Therefore, semi structured interviews were used as a data collection method. The data was then analysed using the thematic analysis approach. Findings reveal that heavy metal means a lot to women metalheads (just as men) and cannot imagine their life without it. Musical virtuosity is the main aspect that attracts them to this genre. Moreover, the love for heavy metal music is the main driving force that motivates them to continue participating in the subculture in question. Therefore, it is impossible for them to discontinue their involvement because it is a big part of their life and by stopping they would deny their identity. The study concludes with suggestions for future research on the topic and a general conclusion where wider sociological arguments are made.