Only mentioned 'The Cruel Mother' as an example because of various (female) conversations with friends about how their attitudes to the central character had changed as they grew older.
No, I'm not saying that certain ballads are forbidden territory - I've been known to sing 'The Battle of Harlaw' and 'Sir Patrick Spens' - but I suppose I was wondering how far there was some unconscious selection process which guided male and female repertoire choices.
Just as there might be some strong unconscious impulse towards ballads for female singers.

But perhaps instead of being so fussed about it all, I should be grateful that anyone wants to sing ballads!