La Guitarra Trabajadora

The Role of Music in Socio-Political Conflicts and Movements

Abstract

Violence has engulfed human history for centuries and, in turn, has informed the evolution of culture and art created in response to this conflict. The artists who have taken it upon themselves to be at the forefront of the conversation on conflicts aim to unite under a common ideology to seek justice with a solution (or an escape) to what plagues their communities. This research paper explores the role of art, particularly music, in socio-political conflicts and movements, using the folk music resurgence in Pinochet-era Chile, and the evolution of narco-corridos in Mexico and the United States as examples. This study highlights Victor Jara of the Nueva Cancion Chilena movement as a key figure, with his music signaling towards resistance against oppression amidst a violent dictatorship. In contrast, the devolution from the contentment in rural life present in historical corridos of Mexico shifting to the surge of narco-corridos in the contemporary age points to a conflict between the state and marginalized communities, who instead choose to plunge into a life of organized crime. By comparing these two movements, this research addresses how art and music are used to articulate the people's sentiments on resistance and rebellion, and use it as a driving force in revolution.