Should Rock be considered male?

Is it reasonable to consider Rock music as gendered male?

Rock music in many respects, centers around the main instrument; the electric guitar. In a recent poll of the 50 greatest guitarists of all time it emerged that not a single woman was voted amongst them. This then raises the question as to why? A lot of the reason behind it is to do with the electric guitar, often seen as a phallic object in reference to the guitarists' body. Frith and McRobbie mention the idea of 'cock rock' in relation to the aggressive expression of male sexuality through their instrument. Other reasons to acknowledge are also the social roles both men and women have been brought up with. Boyton says girls learn how to be feminine where as boys learn to be masculine through environment; this transpires to the instruments they play. It may now seem awkward for girls to enter a guitar shop due to stereotype, this therefore sees rock remain in the hands of the male.