Making (a) difference : a sociological account of music festival work and production

Music festivals seemingly have exceptional unifying powers. Yet, while they can indeed bring diverse groups of people together, they can also keep them apart. Within this context, festival organisers are increasingly expected to consider diversity and inclusion in their everyday practices. Amidst growing debates on diversity and inclusion within the music festival industry, this dissertation explores the role of music festival workers and producers. By exploring the context, structure, actors and practices of workers and producers within the popular music festival industry in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, it provides a first sociological account of music festival work and production. How are inequalities systematically reproduced within the music festival industry, and how to move forward?