Where are they: The presence of female musicians with African background in the in Norwegian scene (2000-2010): challenges and strategies

Abstract

This is a dissertation for a Master degree in History. Through it, I analyze the situation of African female musicians in Norway, given their relationship with Norway. I analyze the examples of four female musicians with African background, who live and work in Norway. Supported on theoretical approaches on immigration, ethnicity and multiculturalism (and others), and placing the study in a historical context of immigration, as well as looking into the policies of integration and of multiculturalism, I seek to create a support that can lead me to discuss the subject, and place her into the discourse and actions towards multiculturalism and integration in Norway.

In order to do so, I take into account the life stories of these four women, and focus on the challenges and advantages they may have faced as women and as of immigrant background. I also look into the impact these challenges may have had in their artistic careers. I then look into the strategies each one of the four informants may have developed in order to adapt and to fit both into society (where was the case) and to the professional field of music.

I analyze the forms of capital they possess or create, and the value these forms of capital symbolize as tools to exceed the threshold into a successful career.

I use a set of seven criteria of success, to understand how these four women’s careers unfolded through the 10 years of this study.

Qualitative (interviews and analyzes) and quantitative (statistical) methods are combined throughout the study.