Moles, Anthony, and Krause, Amanda (2026) Music and membership: Applying the social identity approach to music identities. In: [Presented at the MUSICONNEX Conference]. From: MUSICONNEX Conference, 22-24 September 2026, Jyvaskyla, Finland and Online.

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Abstract

Context Music can be an important feature of social groups, such that family, friendship circles, and cultural groups have all been identified as influencing people’s musical identities. Individuals determine their level of identification with social groups by their perceived similarity to shared group characteristics, which may include musical attributes. Identification - the importance of the social group to the individual, their affective response to membership, and their bonds with other group members - may be conceptualised as social identity.

Aims This qualitative study asks how group memberships relate to the expression of adults’ music identities, as interpreted through the lens of the social identity approach.

Method Semi-structured online interviews are being conducted with adults residing in Australia. Maximum variation sampling has been used to target a sample who vary regarding their music identity and engagement (e.g., professional musicians; individuals with little interest in music). Responses will be analysed using a deductive thematic analysis drawing on the social identity approach.

Results Data collection is underway. Findings will be discussed, focusing on how musical identities reflect the mutual interactions between the self and the social group.

Implications By conceptualising music identities as social identities, the present study’s findings have implications for understanding of how social identity processes affect musical identities, which may inform strategies for increased engagement and identification with music and musical communities.

Item ID:	94059
Item Type:	Conference Item (Abstract / Summary)
Keywords:	psychology of music, music psychology, social and applied psychology of music, music in identities, identities in music, music identities, musical identities, identity, social bonding, social comparison, social identity theory, relationships, social membership, in-group out-group
Related URLs:	https://www.jyu.fi/en/events/musiconnex
Date Deposited:	28 Sep 2026 23:42
FoR Codes:	36 CREATIVE ARTS AND WRITING > 3603 Music > 360301 Music cognition @ 40% 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5205 Social and personality psychology > 520505 Social psychology @ 60%
SEO Codes:	13 CULTURE AND SOCIETY > 1301 Arts > 130102 Music @ 40% 28 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 2801 Expanding knowledge > 280121 Expanding knowledge in psychology @ 60%
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