Gender and cultural heritage valuation: the case of flamenco in Spain

This study examines the influence of gender on the valuation of flamenco as intangible cultural heritage, focusing on differences in audience perceptions and their implications for cultural management. Using a quantitative approach, an exploratory factor analysis was conducted on survey data from 773 participants (328 women and 445 men) to identify key dimensions of flamenco appreciation. Results show that while both genders prioritise the emotional dimension, women attribute greater importance to feelings and expressiveness, whereas men emphasise technical aspects like virtuosity and composition elements. These findings highlight the need for gender-sensitive cultural policies to foster inclusive heritage management. By challenging traditional evaluation criteria that privilege technical proficiency over emotional transmission, this study contributes to the discourse on gendered heritage valuation. Integrating these insights into cultural policy can enhance the sustainability and accessibility of flamenco.