British Popular Music and National Identity in the 1990s

Thesis (M.A.) , 2004 , 113 Pages , Grade: 1.3

English Language and Literature Studies - Culture and Applied Geography

This thesis evaluates the relation between British popular music and national identity. It concentrates on developments during the 1990s, bringing together all three popular genres of pop music during that period: indie rock, dance music and black music.
Taking into account theoretical considerations on popular music, this thesis applies theories of collective identities in general and national identity in particular to Nineties pop. By analyzing an example of popular music media as well as selected music texts, the discourses within popular music culture are being compared to general discourses on questions of national identity within Great Britain.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Collective identities
• National identity
• National British identity
• Popular music theory
• British pop and national identity before 1990
• Indie rock and Britpop in the 1990s
• Black British music in the 1990s
• British dance music in the 1990s
• Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis aims to explore the relationship between British popular music and national identity, specifically during the 1990s. It examines how different genres of popular music reflected and influenced prevailing discourses on Britishness during this period. The key themes explored include:

• The role of popular music in shaping and reflecting national identity.
• The interplay of different musical genres and their relation to national identity.
• The impact of cultural shifts and social movements on the understanding of Britishness.
• The analysis of specific musical examples and their implications for national identity.
• The comparison of popular music discourse with broader discussions on national identity in Great Britain.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: This chapter introduces the topic of national identity and the role of music in shaping it. The song "Irish Blood, English Heart" by Morrissey is analyzed as a starting point to investigate the complexities of national identity and the potential of music to influence public opinion.
• Collective identities: This chapter delves into the concept of "identity" and its shifting significance in contemporary society. The term "identity" is discussed as a "Plastikwort," losing its meaning due to its overuse. It explores the different categories of collective identities, including gender, class, race, ethnicity, nationality, lifestyle, and subculture.
• National identity: This chapter examines the historical evolution of national identity and its various theoretical frameworks. It discusses the influence of colonialism, globalization, and cultural diversity on the concept of nationhood.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This thesis focuses on the interplay of British popular music and national identity during the 1990s. Key terms include: national identity, popular music, Britpop, Black British music, dance music, collective identities, cultural identity, globalization, and the construction of meaning.

• College: University of Leipzig
• Grade: 1.3
• Author: Anja Thümmler (Author)
• Publication Year: 2004
• Pages: 113
• Catalog Number: V186497
• ISBN (eBook): 9783869436647
• ISBN (Book): 9783869432410
• Language: English
• Tags: british, popular, music, national, identity