Coping with Precariousness in the Cultural and Creative Industries: A Study of Independent Musicians

A number of recent studies have responded to neoliberal understandings of entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation in the cultural and creative industries, and beyond. This study contributes to this body of work by developing an approach, which examines anxiety, narcissism, recognition and self-esteem from a sociological perspective, considering them through the lens of social class and gender. By drawing on the concept of ontological security and on the capability approach of Sen and Nussbaum, this study considers how experiences of precariousness and insecurity under conditions of neoliberalism threatens the well-being and self-realisation of aspiring musicians. Each chapter explores a different aspect of the difficulties faced by musicians: housing and working conditions; interpersonal relationships; and the distribution of recognition in the music industries. Methodologically, the study is drawn from interviews and participant observation of independent musicians aged 25- 37 and based in Paris, Brooklyn, San Francisco, Portland and Stockholm. The study finds that, rather than being transformed into subjects who willingly embrace neoliberal incentives, individuals develop a complex set of coping strategies and defence mechanisms, which do not ultimately serve their well-being. It suggests that a psycho-social account may enrich understandings of working lives in the cultural and creative industries and beyond.