Rethinking Music Education and Social Change

The arts, particularly music, have the power to empower, transform, and question. Rethinking Music Education and Social Change examines music education's relation to social change and offers a new vision for music education as utopian theory and practice. It provides a scholarly foundation for understanding music education's role in promoting social change.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 24 March 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The arts, particularly music, have a profound impact on society, serving as powerful agents of social change. They possess the ability to empower, transform, and challenge individuals and communities. Music can reflect the current state of society, acting as a mirror, while also serving as a catalyst for transformation. In times of failed social change efforts, the arts often become a last resort, offering hope and solace. However, the question remains: can the arts truly live up to these expectations? Can music education specifically contribute to social change?

Rethinking Music Education and Social Change provides timely and insightful answers to these questions. This book takes an imaginative yet critical approach, assessing the relationship between music education and social change. It strikes a balance between optimism and realism, offering a fresh vision for music education as both utopian theory and practical practice. As a significant topic in sociology and political science, utopia provides a new tradition of thinking and a scholarly foundation for understanding the relationship between music education and social change.

In the chapters of this book, authors explore various aspects of music education and its potential to foster social change. They examine the historical context of music education and its role in shaping society. They also discuss the current state of music education and its challenges, including issues of access, equity, and quality. The authors then propose new approaches to music education that can promote social change, such as integrating social justice and cultural diversity into the curriculum.

Furthermore, the book explores the role of music in promoting social change and activism. It examines the impact of music on social movements, such as the civil rights movement and the feminist movement, and how music can be used as a tool for advocacy and empowerment. The authors also discuss the role of music education in promoting social cohesion and community building, particularly in marginalized and underrepresented communities.

Overall, Rethinking Music Education and Social Change offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between music education and social change. It provides valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and activists working to promote positive social change through music education. By reimagining music education and embracing its potential as a tool for social transformation, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197566282