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‘Austro-Pop’ since the 1980s: Two Case Studies of Cultural Critique and Counter- hegemonic Resistance

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  • Christian Karner

Abstract

Recent political and social developments in Austria have been widely portrayed in simplistically metonymic terms, with controversial figures such as Waldheim and Haider being perceived to epitomise Austrian society as a whole. In this paper, I analyse the discursive/lyrical content of some of the songs by STS and Austria 3, two of the most successful bands within the genre of Austrian popular music. Approaching these two case studies from the theoretical perspectives of discourse analysis and cognitive anthropology, I will show that ‘Austro- Pop’ has - at important junctures in recent Austrian history - served as a tool of ideological resistance and created sites of social critique and cultural introspection. This paper thus illustrates that popular music analysed as discourse can draw attention to social heterogeneity and competing ideologies. The resulting sociological account challenges widespread portrayals - both journalistic and academic - of Austrian society as ideologically monolithic. Popular music will therefore be shown to offer valuable empirical data concerning some important sociological and social psychological issues such as the spread and contestation of ideas, the ‘nature’ of public opinion and the individual's agency in relation to it.

Suggested Citation

  • Christian Karner, 2002. "‘Austro-Pop’ since the 1980s: Two Case Studies of Cultural Critique and Counter- hegemonic Resistance," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 6(4), pages 28-43, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socres:v:6:y:2002:i:4:p:28-43
    DOI: 10.5153/sro.654
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