Peter J. Martin

Wes W. Sharrock

John A Hughes

The authors of the bestselling 'Understanding classical sociology' present the companion volume dealing with the modern period of social theory.

Understanding Modern Sociology

In this pioneering book Dr. Martin outlines an alternative approach to the notion of a correspondence between social and musical structures. It concludes with a discussion of the social situation of music in advanced capitalist society.

Themes in the Sociology of Music

Sounds and Society

In this pioneering new book, Dr Martin presents a lively and accessible introduction to the social analysis of music. Dr Martin argues that musical meaning must be understood as socially constructed, rather than inherent, and that the notion of a correspondence between social and musical structures is highly problematic. An alternative approach, based on the ‘social action’ pespective is outlined, and the book concludes with a discussion of the social situation of music in advanced capitalist society. Along the way, leading thinkers are introduced: Adorno, Weber and Schntz as well as, more recently, John Shepherd and the feminist musicologists. The book draws on studies spanning the whole spectrum of Western music - rock bands to symphony orchestras, medieval plainchant to avant-garde jazz and concludes with a discussion of the social situation of music in advanced capitalist society.

Peter J. Martin

Books

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