Music for Global Human Development: Participatory Action Research for Health and Wellbeing
Author(s):
Michael Frishkopf
Publication Year:
2022
Type:
journal article
Journal/Book Title
MUSICultures
Publisher
Editor(s):
Pages:
71-109
Volume:
49
Issue:
Abstract:
This article outlines an engaged ethnomusicology called Music for Global Human Development (M4GHD), fostering human development through sustainable music-centred community collaborations. Human development —a human process of upholding human value by reinforcing the I-thou essence of human connection — is impeded by dehumanization resulting from the mediation of personal relationships through an impersonal world system. Theoretically, the M4GHD model builds upon the Habermasian duality of system and lifeworld. But maintenance of the lifeworld — locus of human value — depends not only on rational “communicative action” (as per Habermas), but equally on affective social connectivity, constructed through the soundworld, where feedback loops of thoughtfeeling produce socio-sonic resonance. The method is Participatory Action Research (PAR), forging collaborative community-engaged networks, drawing outsider and insider participants into a shared, resonant soundworld, thereby transforming awareness and practice. After outlining problem, theory, and method, this article offers several examples illustrating how resonant networks of PAR in ethnomusicology have the potential to transform community and network towards global human development, and development of the global human.
Citation (Chicago Author-Date):
Frishkopf, Michael. 2022. “Music for Global Human Development: Participatory Action Research for Health and Wellbeing.” MUSICultures 49: 71–109. https://journals.lib.unb.ca/index.php/MC/article/view/33220.