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Expressing Identity, Experiencing Belonging, and Everyday Life in Heavy Metal Music
Schulz, Douglas H.I.
Schulz, Douglas H.I.
Publication Date
2022
End of Embargo
Supervisor
Rights
The University of Bradford theses are licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.
Peer-Reviewed
Open Access status
Accepted for publication
Institution
University of Bradford
Department
Division of Sociology and Criminology. Faculty of Management, Law and Social Sciences
Awarded
2022
Embargo end date
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Abstract
When heavy metal fans traverse through their everyday life, they are faced
with countless opportunities to engage in social interactions with others. Such
interactions question, establish, and strengthen fans’ heavy metal identities
whilst providing them with a sense of community and belonging through
engaging with others who also share a preference for heavy metal music. This
thesis is built on a qualitative research approach, complimented by an insider
and ethnographic orientation in order to explore identity expression, the feeling
of belonging and community, everyday life processes, and the role of heavy
metal music in the everyday life of heavy metal fans. Through social
interactions based on shared musical preference, heavy metal fans are able
to meaningfully engage with others through which communal affiliations are
strengthened and reinforced. Despite mainstream, and largely negative
attitudes towards heavy metal, the music provides a safety net for listeners
and is a driving force in their experience of the reciprocal relationship between
personal identity and group membership and community. Due to the deep
connection listeners have with heavy metal, the music becomes something
which fans are able to call theirs alone.
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Type
Thesis
Qualification name
PhD