Cultural Communication: How Women Are Portrayed in Panamanian Pindín and How the Audience Identifies with These Representations

This study investigates the representation of Panamanian women in pindín, a traditional folk music genre, and its role in constructing gender identity. By analyzing song lyrics and audience interpretations, especially among female university students, it reveals a strong masculine influence and the perpetuation of patriarchal stereotypes within the genre. Despite some female involvement in song production, pindín mainly reflects a male perspective, reinforcing conventional gender roles. The research highlights how female roles differ in songs for male and female performers and examines diverse interpretations among students shaped by their experiences and values. The findings show a complex negotiation between recognizing and accepting these stereotypes, with participants disapproving of certain song content while endorsing related real-life practices. The study emphasizes the need for greater female participation in pindín's production to promote more egalitarian representations and challenges ingrained stereotypes to foster a more inclusive Panamanian culture.