Music, Research, and Activism

Kim Ramstedt

ISBN 10: 1835951252 / ISBN 13: 9781835951255

Published by Intellect, GB, 2025

This book introduces the concept of activist music research, emphasising action and social responsibility and suggests that music research can be used to promote social and ecological justice. This is discussed in a series of position papers by music researchers who engage in public debate in their various roles - educator, critic, journalist, DJ, producer, promoter - and work with other actors in civil society and culture. The book suggests that we are experiencing an activist turn in music research, evidenced by the growing number of projects and publications discussing inequalities in musical practices and the impact music research can have on these inequalities. This idea is explored in a series of position papers and contemplative texts, where music researchers, music educators and artistic researchers reflect on how their work and the position they occupy as professionals in society serves eco-social justice and equity. What is the point of studying and teaching music in an age of ecocide, neo(liberal)-colonialism, rampant racial inequities, persistent gender identity and sexual orientation discrimination? What does social and ecological responsibility and sustainability mean in music research?The idea for the book was conceived within the context of Suoni, a non-profit independent research association in Finland founded as a self-organizing and independent network for scholars interested in exploring methods, pedagogics, practices and action for eco-social equity in relation to music and music research. Seller Inventory # LU-9781835951255

Synopsis:

A radical exploration of how music educators and artists are using research as a tool for justice in an era of crisis and transformation.

Can music research drive social and ecological change? Music, Research, and Activism: Prospects and Projects in Northern Europe argues that it can—and must. This bold collection studies the emerging activist turn in music studies, where researchers and artists engage directly in public debates and cultural movements.

By questioning systemic inequalities in the music industry and exploring the role of music education in an era of climate crisis, the contributors to this volume reflect on how their work can serve eco-social justice. Drawing on their diverse experiences as educators, critics, DJs, producers, and community organizers, they offer a compelling vision of music research as an agent of transformation.

Rooted in the independent research network Suoni, this volume speaks to music scholars and students eager to rethink the role of music in shaping a more equitable world. Engaging and accessible, it challenges us to ask: What does social responsibility look like in music research today?
 

About the Authors: Kim Ramstedt is a researcher and educator at the University of Helsinki, Finland.

Susanna Välimäki is professor of art studies and head of musicology at the University of Helsinki, Finland.

Sini Mononen is an Academy Research Fellow (Research Council of Finland) at the University of Helsinki, Finland. They are all founding members of Suoni, a research association for activist music research.

Kaj Ahlsved is a music researcher, critic, and educator affiliated with Åbo Akademi University in Turku, Finland.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Music, Research, and Activism
Publisher: Intellect, GB
Publication Date: 2025
Binding: Hardback
Condition: New