ABSTRACT
In the general sense of the word, ‘politics’ permeates popular music studies. Practically every aspect of the production and consumption of popular music involves theoretical debates about the dynamics of economic, cultural, and political power and infl uence, and the reproduction of social structures and individual subjectivity. In addition to ongoing debates over the perceived negative ‘effects’ and infl uence of popular music, there have always been attempts to harness the music to social and political ends, and arguments around the validity of notions of music as an empowering and political force. My discussion here is on the role of popular music in creating social change, and its mobilization within social movements. I consider several examples of direct political activism and the phenomenon of ‘con science rock’. A major issue in each case is the infl uence of such cultural interventions and the role of music in bringing about social change. The second part of the chapter introduces gender identity and sexual politics, primarily with reference to the place of women in rock music.
