Question

In the 1970 s, less than 5% of musicians in the top five U.S. orchestras were women, whereas now that percentage exceeds 30%. A key reason for the change is that, in the 1970s, orchestras began using blind auditions where candidates, with their names and backgrounds withheld, play for juries from behind a screen. Researchers have found that, even when an orchestra selection committee uses a screen only in the first round of selection, women are 50% more likely to reach the final round of selection than under nonblind conditions. What outcome, beside greater gender equality, has likely resulted from impartiality in orchestras?

A. Better orchestras B. Worse orchestras
C. No change to orchestra quality
D. Increased implicit bias from committees in first-round auditions

Answer 1

The likely outcome from impartiality in orchestra auditions is better orchestras, as they select musicians solely based on talent and skill, potentially improving the orchestra's quality and diversity.

Step-by-step explanation:

Aside from the goal of achieving greater gender equality, the likely outcome from impartiality in orchestra auditions is A. Better orchestras. Through the use of blind auditions, orchestras are more likely to select musicians based solely on their performance and not on gender, racial, or other biases. This selection process can lead to a higher caliber of musicians, as talent and skill become the only criteria for selection, thus potentially improving the overall quality of the orchestra. Furthermore, with a more diverse group of musicians, orchestras might benefit from a broader range of perspectives and experiences, enriching the creativity and innovation within the ensemble.