The Positive Effects Of Problem Music

Music is a form of art that uses sounds to create melody, harmony, and rhythm. These sounds can make people feel certain ways and is a form of expression and identity (Miller, 2012). As a result, “problem music” has been equated to delinquency because of the actions and feelings that accompany it (Peterson, 2001). From the beginnings of Sociology, music has been a focus of sociological inquiry. Although it was never a popular topic, Max Weber has used music to answer important sociological questions (Peterson, 2001). Deviant behavior is simply defined as actions that violate norms. Deviancy has many subcategories, but this will look at the more criminal, violent, and aggressive behaviors (Price, 2011). In this study, we will be investigating the effects that rap,

Other research has discovered a positive relationship between this music and deviant behaviors such as rebelliousness, tolerance, risky behavior, violence, and more (North, 2004). That is why it is called “problem” music. This phenomenon began in the 1950s when rock music became popular (Miller, 2012). These genres of music have been criticized for the negative attitudes and messages it sends to the listeners because it is seen as a kick starter to deviance (Miller, 2012). There have been several instances where music has been the sole blame for negative acts. There are many different theories to the relationship between deviant behavior and problem music. Some researchers say that the listeners are trying to be like the artists. Others say that the lyrics make them feel like they should be deviant. A third idea is that it is just the personality type of people that listen to that type of music (North, 2004). Although, the reasons as to why there is a link is uncertain, there have been other studies that have proven this idea that problem music increases the likelihood of