Musicology and/as social concern: Imagining the relevant musicologist

Abstract

Social concerns and ideologies are reflected (1) in our very choice of subject or repertoire, (2) in our conscious attempts to place individuals and repertoires in concrete historical or cultural context, and (3) in the paradigms and assumptions upon which we build our various arguments and narratives (progress, the 'great man,' the nation, Marxism, feminism). How might scholars of musicology act most responsibly toward musicology students, adjunct faculty, and fellow scholars (including those trying new approaches)? In what nonmusicological arenas might such scholars help to shape cultural and social policies? This text was originally published as Chapter 22 of: COOK, Nicholas; EVERIST, Mark (eds.). Rethinking Music. Oxford, New York: Oxford University Press, 2001. p.499-530. ISBN10: 0-19-879003-1 (hbk); ISBN10: 0-19-879004-X (pbk); ISBN13: 978-0-19-879004-4.