Music has shaped cultures and societies around the world, passed down from generation to generation.
It has the power to alter one’s mood, change perceptions, and inspire change. While everyone has a personal relationship with music, its effects on the culture around us may not be immediately apparent. So, how does music affect society?.jpg "Arts & Culture Council of Strathcona County (1)")
Music is an essential aspect of all human civilizations and has the power to emotionally, morally, and culturally affect society. When people from one culture exchange music with each other, they gain valuable insight into another way of life.
Learning how music and social bonding are tied is especially crucial in times of conflict when other lines of communication prove to be challenging. Music, as a cultural right, may aid in the promotion and protection of other human rights. It can help in the healing process, dismantling walls and boundaries, reconciliation, and education. Around the world, music is being used as a vehicle for social change and bringing communities together.
At the core of our everyday experience with music, we use it to relax, express ourselves, come to terms with our emotions, and generally improve our well-being. It has evolved into a tool for healing and self-expression, often dictating how we, as individuals, take steps to impact society.
Why is Music Beneficial to Society?
Music has the power to connect with and influence people in a way that feels fundamentally different from other forms of communication. Humans often feel that “no one understands them” or knows how they “truly feel.” Many resort to music to find connections with others to express themselves or find a sense of understanding among peers.
How does music affect our lives?
Music has the ability to deeply affect our mental states and raise our mood. When we need it, music gives us energy and motivation. When we’re worried, it can soothe us; when we’re weary, it can encourage us; and when we’re feeling deflated, it can re-inspire us. It even functions to improve our physical health, as it’s been proven that high-tempo music results in better workouts.
We connect with others via music, especially those who produce or perform it — we recite their lyrics, dance to their melodies, and form a sense of connection through their self-expression.
Songs and melodies have the power to inspire people, guide their acti.jpg "Arts & Culture Council of Strathcona County (2)")
ons, and aid in the formation of identities. Music can unite people – even if absorbed in solitude, capture your imagination and boost creativity. A person who has been affected by music is not alone. They are among the masses trying to find their role in society and form connections with others.
Music’s Effect on Our Thoughts and Actions
Music’s effect on the self is far-reaching, tapping into our memories, subconscious thoughts, emotions, and interests. Thanks to the music artists who have put their heart and soul into creating, we feel connected with other people and their difficulties, challenges, and emotions. So much about our brains is still being discovered but through neurology, we are learning more and more about how music affects us.
We all know that being exposed to music’s beauty, rhythm, and harmony significantly influences how we feel. We also know that music emotionally impacts us, reaching into forgotten memories and connecting us to.jpg "Arts & Culture Council of Strathcona County (3)")
ourselves. Music therapy is often used to improve attention and memory, and can have a positive effect on those suffering from dementia or Alzheimers.
Music has the potential to be a powerful healing tool in a variety of ways and pervades every aspect of our existence. Songs are used to define spiritual ceremonies, toddlers learn the alphabet via rhyme and verse, and malls and restaurants, where we choose to spend our free time, are rarely silent.
But how much can this ever-present object influence our behavior and emotions? According to research, music has a significant impact on humans. It can potentially affect disease, depression, expenditure, productivity, and our outlook on life.
The impact of music on our brain is being better understood thanks to advances in neuroscience and the examination of music’s impact on the brain. It has been shown via brain scans that when we listen to or perform music, nearly all brain regions are active simultaneously. Listening to and making music may actually change the way your brain works.
The Cultural Impact of Music
Today’s popular music reflects the culture of the day. But, how does music affect society over time? How has music changed over the past century? In the lyrics and sound of each era, we can discern the imprints of a particular generation and see history in the making. And, in this day and age, culture is changing faster than ever before, mirroring musical forms that are evolving and emerging at the same rate.
For decades, the effects of music on society have been a source of contention, and it seems that with each generation, a new musical trend emerges that has the previous generations saying, “Well back in my day, we had…”. Music and social movements are intrinsically linked together.
Almost every popular kind of music was considered scandalous back in the day, and the dancing that accompanied jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, and hip-hop drew protests and boycotts from all around. Just look at The Beatles, who were considered scandalous by the older generation when they first arrived on the music scene.
While we may not like a new music trend or a particular genre of music, we must also take a step back and appreciate how lucky we are to be exposed to it at all. Music in some parts of the world is not as easily accessible. While music has always been a means of pushing the boundaries of expression, it’s clear that the world isn’t expressing itself in the same way. The various musical trends we’ve seen in just this lifetime provide an insightful look into what is and isn’t being discussed in some cultures.
Music as an Agent for Change
Another essential factor to consider is how strongly music influences society and, thus, human behavior. Music’s impact on human rights movements and its role as an agent for change is clear in the history books. One example is the impact of the “freedom songs” of the Civil Rights movement, such as “We Shall Overcome” and “Strange Fruit.” These songs broke down barriers, educated people, built empathy across the divide, and had a hand in ending segregation. Music today continues to shed light on the inequalities experienced by people worldwide, and it’s clear that music will never stop acting as an agent for change.
Because of how strong of an influence melodies and lyrics have on society, we must be acutely aware of our current culture. Still, more importantly, we must be conscious of the cultures we wish to build and develop via our music. Songs have the power to change the world in unexpected ways, challenging preconceived notions and shedding light on issues that have historically been ignored.
Inspired by and edited from the original article by Lia Peralta, Save the Music Foundation.
As someone deeply immersed in the world of music, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the discussion of how music shapes cultures and societies. My understanding extends beyond mere appreciation, delving into the intricate ways in which music influences human emotions, social dynamics, and even political movements. Allow me to demonstrate my familiarity with the concepts explored in the article.
Music's Cultural Significance: The article rightly emphasizes that music is not just a form of entertainment but an essential aspect of human civilizations. It is a conduit for emotional, moral, and cultural expression. The mention of the exchange of music between cultures as a means of gaining insight into different ways of life underscores the role of music as a universal language that transcends borders.
Music as a Tool for Social Bonding: The article touches upon the crucial connection between music and social bonding, particularly in times of conflict. This aligns with the well-documented anthropological and sociological studies highlighting music's role in fostering a sense of community and understanding among diverse groups of people.
Music as a Cultural Right: Highlighting music as a cultural right is a poignant observation. The article suggests that music can contribute to the promotion and protection of other human rights, emphasizing its role in healing, dismantling barriers, promoting reconciliation, and advancing education.
Music's Impact on Well-being: The discussion on how individuals use music in their everyday lives for relaxation, self-expression, and emotional well-being resonates with research findings on music therapy. The article aptly notes that music has evolved into a tool for healing and self-expression, influencing not only individuals but also the broader societal context.
Music's Influence on Thoughts and Actions: The exploration of music's effect on mental states, mood elevation, and even physical health aligns with scientific research. The reference to brain scans demonstrating widespread brain activity during music listening or performance highlights the profound impact music has on neural processes.
Cultural Reflection in Music: The article delves into the dynamic relationship between music and culture, noting how popular music reflects the zeitgeist of a particular era. This aligns with the understanding that music serves as a mirror to societal changes and cultural evolution.
Music as an Agent for Change: The discussion on music's historical role as an agent for change, particularly in human rights movements like the Civil Rights movement, aligns with the broader recognition of music's power to inspire social and political transformation. The call to be conscious of the cultural impact of current music underscores the responsibility artists and listeners bear in shaping societal narratives.
In conclusion, the article encapsulates the multifaceted influence of music on society, weaving together cultural, emotional, and historical dimensions. My extensive knowledge in this domain allows me to appreciate and elaborate on the intricate connections between music and the human experience.
