As many as 76 percent of music industry workers have dealt with inappropriate behaviours in the workplace in the past five years. This is according to an Yle research report based on an online survey that examined harassment and gender inequality within the music sector.
Out of around 1,000 respondents, it was mostly women and non-binary people — as well as younger age groups and freelancers — that had been exposed to inappropriate behaviour, the survey found.
President of the Finnish Music Council and Head of Communications at the Finnish Musicians' Union, Sanni Kahilainen, says that defining 'inappropriate behaviour' can be a sensitive matter.
"This survey shows that many have been subjected to inappropriate comments and jokes. In such matters, one's own instincts should be trusted. If something feels wrong or is not OK, then it is not OK. This also applies to sexual harassment," Kahilainen tells Yle.
The ethnomusicologist adds that the results of the survey do not surprise her.
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"What is most gripping here is the variety of different kinds of experiences of inappropriate behaviour and discrimination that can be found in this field, and how little has been done to tackle those issues," she says.
Kahilainen also attributes the bad situation to the vulnerability brought by short-term contracts and other freelance positions. A non-permanent post can make it difficult for victims to come forward if harassed. It might also be hard to know where to go. When issues occur with employees that are working shorter-term, the onus on companies to intervene is also reduced, she adds.
The situation may however change this spring with the rollout of a new set of guidelines for the music sector. One of the changes the new guidance will bring is the introduction of a contact person that will be easy to reach regardless of the situation or location of the workplace.
"There is also talk about creating safer spaces and respecting one another. Also about identifying when a crime has been committed and when there is reason to contact the police. Studies show that young people are better able to recognise and notice injustices," says Kahilainen.