Musical taste in adolescence

Abstract

In this chapter, we first sketch the enormity of adolescents’ consumption of, and apparent fascination with, various forms of music. After a brief excursion into the massification versus diversity controversy over popular music, we present and critically analyse efforts at explaining the enjoyment of music by adolescents on the basis of their own introspective assessments and rationalizations. We then turn to the mostly experimental social psychological exploration of music appreciation, and we ascertain the influence of social, individual, and situational factors in light of the available research evidence. Much attention is given to the great appeal of music expressing defiance of authority and of music celebrating love found or bemoaning love lost. The chapter concludes with an abridged review of social-psychological research that addresses the question of whether or not the massive consumption of particular forms of popular music, especially music of the rebellious variety, can foster and strengthen socially and societally relevant beliefs and dispositions of adolescents.