Award Date
12-1-2015
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Sociology
First Committee Member
David R. Dickens
Second Committee Member
Ranita Ray
Third Committee Member
Robert Futrell
Fourth Committee Member
Jay Coughtry
Number of Pages
245
Abstract
Utilizing a mixed qualitative research methods design, including interviews, ethnographic field work, and analyzing historical documents, I examine the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) subculture, since its inception in the late 80s as a deviant subculture. Previous studies of raves and other music subcultures focus almost exclusively on the role of popularity in transforming the subculture. In this research, I found, in the case of EDM at least, a more complicated process in which structural factors such as mass media, public officials (politicians and law enforcement), and major music corporations played a prominent role in the transformation. Media coverage focused on sensationalized cases of widespread drug use, while public officials responded by passing and enforcing legislation that forced EDM organizers into more legitimate venues. This change in venue brought them to the attention of the music industry, who saw a new opportunity to make money. By “rationalizing” the production, distribution, and consumption (especially via corporate advertising) of electronic dance music for profit, the original subcultural, even countercultural, values of PLUR (peace, love, unity, respect), solidarity, and authenticity were undermined. These changes resulted in the group being transformed into what Horkheimer and Adorno ([1944] 1972) called a culture industry. Electronic dance music is today dominated by large-scale entertainment corporations who employ a formulaic marketing strategy in the production of EDM events for a mass audience.
Keywords
Critical Theory; Deviance; Frankfurt School; Popular Culture; Subculture
Disciplines
Sociology
File Format
Degree Grantor
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Language
English
Repository Citation
Conner, Christopher T., "Electronic Dance Music: From Deviant Subculture to Culture Industry" (2015). UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones. 2528.
http://dx.doi.org/10.34917/8220096
Rights
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