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Music as social bonding: A cross-cultural perspective
Ivan Yifan Zou1, William S-Y Wang2
1Department of Music, The University of Hong Kong, 11.03 11/F Run Run Shaw Tower, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong. ivan_yfzou@connect.hku.hk.
The Behavioral and Brain Sciences
|September 30, 2021
Summary
This study explores how Chinese music fosters social bonding by examining its political uses and the social identity cues in solo performances. It also highlights the role of lyrical and musical tone matching in strengthening social connections.
Area of Science:
- Musicology
- Sociology
- Psychology
Background:
- The music and social bonding hypothesis by Savage et al. provides a framework for understanding music's role in social cohesion.
- Existing research has primarily focused on Western musical contexts, leaving a gap in understanding diverse cultural applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To extend the music and social bonding hypothesis to the context of Chinese music.
- To investigate the role of music as a political instrument in Chinese society.
- To examine solo performances as indicators of social identity.
- To analyze the contribution of congruent tones between lyrics and music to social bonding.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of Chinese music and its socio-political functions.
- Examination of lyrical content and musical composition for social identity cues.
- Analysis of the relationship between tonal elements in lyrics and music.
Main Results:
- Music serves significant top-down political functions in Chinese society.
- Solo musical performances provide crucial cues for social identity.
- A harmonious match between the tones of lyrics and music enhances social bonding.
Conclusions:
- The music and social bonding hypothesis is applicable to Chinese music, with specific cultural nuances.
- Political functions and social identity expression through music are key aspects of social bonding in China.
- Tonal congruence in music and lyrics is an important factor for social connection.
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