Rösträttens sånger

Musikens roll i kampen för kvinnors rösträtt 1902–1921

Abstract

Songs of Suffrage - The Role of Music in the Struggle for Women’s Suffrage in Sweden 1902–1921

This study examines the role of music in the organized struggle for women’s suffrage in Sweden from 1902 to 1921. The research questions investigate the music that circulated within the movement, including its performance contexts and the individuals involved. Furthermore, the study explores how songs articulated the movement’s collective ideals and goals, and how arguments for women’s political rights were expressed through musical practices. The source material has been collected from archives and women’s periodicals. The literature includes studies on the history and development of the Swedish suffrage movement, international research on the role of music in the struggle for women’s suffrage, and theoretical perspectives on music’s broader significance in social and political movements. Music in the Swedish women’s suffrage organizations (FKPR) throughout the country primarily consisted of patriotic songs, specially composed suffrage songs, and various types of vocal and instrumental music used in social interactions. The findings indicate that music served several functions within the movement, including forming and expressing collective identity, promoting solidarity, raising the fighting spirit, instilling pride, and articulating the movement’s values and goals. At the Sixth Congress of the International Woman Suffrage Alliance, held in Stockholm in 1911, music played a prominent role, contributing to a sense of solemnity, strength, and confidence in victory. Suffrage songs emphasized themes such as women’s right to full citizenship and their right and duty to serve the nation. Often, these songs were marches with combative messages, somewhat contrasting with the peaceful diplomatic strategy of the Swedish suffragists. Unison singing served as a unifying tool for a broad and socially diverse movement. Additionally, women’s (collective) motherliness, along with their peaceful and nurturing qualities, was highlighted as an attribute that could improve politics.