PDF Imagine There's No Heaven: How Atheism Helped Create the Modern World by Mitchell Stephens in History

Description

What is it about the history; geographical position and cultures of the Middle East; North Africa and Central Asia that has made music such a potent and powerful agent? This volume presents the first direct look at the complex relationship between music and power across a range of musical genres and countries. Discourses of power in the region centre on some of the most contested social issues; most notably in relation to nationhood; gender and religion. Individual chapters examine the ways in which music serves as a forum for playing out issues of power; ideology; resistance and subversion. How does music become a space for promoting - or conversely; resisting or subverting - particular ideologies or positions of authority? How does it accrue symbolic power in ways that are very particular; perhaps unique? And how does music become a site of social control or; alternatively; a vehicle for agency and empowerment; at times overt and at others highly subtle? What is it about music that facilitates; and sometimes disrupts; the exercise and flows of power? Who controls such flows; how and for what purposes? In asking such questions in the context of countries such as Afghanistan; Egypt; Iran; Tunisia and Tajikistan; the book draws on a wide range of relevant theoretical and critical ideas; and many disciplines including ethnomusicology; anthropology; sociology; politics; Middle Eastern studies; globalization studies; gender studies and cultural and media studies. The countries and areas explored share a great deal in historical and cultural terms; including a legacy of colonial and neo-colonial encounters and predominantly Judeo-Muslim religious traditions. It is hoped that the volume will contribute ultimately to a richer understanding of the role that music plays in these societies.