IASPM Code of Conduct

The International Association for the Study of Popular Music expects integrity and professional conduct from all its members. We are committed to creating a space where people feel encouraged and supported to take intellectual and creative risks as they share ideas and engage in debate without fear of any form of discrimination or abuse. We recognise that there are structural and institutional imbalances of power within the academy along many lines of difference including (but not limited to) race, class, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual identity, disability, economic status, employment status, religion, and age. We commit to countering the negative effects of these imbalances and to treating each other equitably. In working to ensure an inclusive climate, we value differences, respect boundaries, and choose to support one another. 

Each IASPM member is responsible for maintaining a healthy, professional culture in our organization. Correspondingly, every member of IASPM should expect to be able to participate in the organization without undue restrictions to their full potential. 

IASPM will not tolerate behaviours that violate these principles. Examples of unacceptable behaviours include (but are not limited to):

  • Non-consensual sexual attention and objectification

  • Physical, sexual, psychological, or emotional violence 

  • Shaming, bullying, or intimidation, whether physical or otherwise

  • Unwanted contact, whether physical or otherwise

  • Stalking 

  • Harassment (broadly defined as unwanted physical or verbal conduct that may be based on the victim’s race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual identity, disability, economic status, employment status, religion, age, or other categories)

  • Discriminatory behaviour

  • Professional misconduct, such as plagiarism or professional exploitation.

All members must agree to abide by the Code of Conduct in all IASPM activities, including (but not limited to): conferences, journals, and social media conversations, both international and branch-related, as well as in ancillary events and social gatherings. Members are encouraged to intervene or seek help if they witness violations of the code.

Breaches of the Code 

Participants are encouraged to report violations of this Code to any member of the Executive Committee, who will ensure that the complaint is addressed in accordance with the Association’s complaint procedures [complaints procedure will be linked here when ready]. Responses to reports will be framed by a victim-centred approach and treated with sensitivity. 

Violations of this Code may lead to actions not limited to but including cancellation of membership of IASPM, notification of the behaviour to an offender’s home institution, and notification to local authorities.