Sounds and Society Themes in the sociology of music [Paperback]

In this introduction to the social analysis of music, the author argues that musical meaning must be understood as socially constructed, rather than inherent, and that the notion of a correspondance between social and musical structures is highly problematic. An alternative approach, based on the social action perspective is outlined, and the book concludes with a discussion of the social situation of music in advanced capitalist society. The text draws on studies spanning the whole spectrum of Western music - rock bands to symphony orchestras, medieval plainchant to avant-garde jazz.

Peter J. Martin is Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of Sociology, University of Manchester.