The Role of Music in Social and Political Movements

Abstract

Music has long played a critical role in shaping and energizing social and political movements across diverse historical and cultural contexts. Far beyond entertainment, it functions as a powerful medium of resistance, identity formation, emotional mobilization, and ideological expression. This article explores the multifaceted role of music in driving collective action, drawing on historical and contemporary examples such as the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle, the Arab Spring, and the Black Lives Matter movement. Using interdisciplinary theoretical frameworks, including social movement theory and cultural hegemony, the paper examines how music fosters solidarity, conveys protest messages, and challenges oppressive systems. It also analyzes the evolution of musical activism in the digital age, noting both the opportunities and limitations presented by new media platforms. Ultimately, the study highlights music’s enduring function as both a cultural artifact and a political tool capable of inspiring change and sustaining resistance.