Abstract

This Independent Study examines the relationship between music and its effect on shaping people’s attitudes towards immigration. Given the current context of the immigration debate during the Trump presidency, the attitudes people have towards immigration are constantly evolving. Musical artists are now producing more politically active and aware music to illustrate their attitudes towards present social injustices occurring within the United States. This study focuses on how this politically active music affects people’s attitudes towards immigration, a controversial public policy issue. This experimental analysis explores if listening to music from another culture or a song that humanizes a person or group of people, will positively shape people’s attitudes. This study finds that when people have a higher cultural appreciation level, their attitudes are shaped positively, but if their dehumanization levels are high, then their attitudes are negatively shaped towards immigration. This study also identifies the current attitudes of the participants on the immigration debate.

Advisor

Leiby, Michele

Department

Political Science

Disciplines

Comparative Politics

Keywords

Music, Political Attitudes, Immigration

Publication Date

2019

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2019 Christina Vukovich