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Soundtracks of Poverty and Development: Music, Emotions and Representations of the Global South

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Listed:
  • John D. Cameron

    (Dalhousie University)

  • Emmanuel Solomon

    (Dalhousie University)

  • William Clarke

    (Dalhousie University)

Abstract

Despite the strategic use of music and sound in the marketing of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), analysis of representations of global poverty and development has focussed almost exclusively on images, video and text. Drawing on research in the fields of psychology, marketing and music theory, this article argues that analysis of representations of global poverty and development must include rigorous analysis of music and sound. The article examines the soundtracks of fundraising videos produced by NGOs based in the UK, the USA and Canada to address questions about the ways that music structure and sound create emotional narratives about poverty and development. Analysis reveals how music is used to shape emotional responses to NGO appeals and reinforces persistent stereotypes about the global South as sad and frightening and the global North as the source of agency to solve problems of global poverty.

Suggested Citation

  • John D. Cameron & Emmanuel Solomon & William Clarke, 2022. "Soundtracks of Poverty and Development: Music, Emotions and Representations of the Global South," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 34(2), pages 785-805, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:eurjdr:v:34:y:2022:i:2:d:10.1057_s41287-021-00385-1
    DOI: 10.1057/s41287-021-00385-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. John D. Cameron, 2015. "Can poverty be funny? The serious use of humour as a strategy of public engagement for global justice," Third World Quarterly, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(2), pages 274-290, February.
    2. Dan Brockington, 2014. "The production and construction of celebrity advocacy in international development," Third World Quarterly, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 35(1), pages 88-108, January.
    3. Matt Smith & Helen Yanacopulos, 2004. "The public faces of development: an introduction," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 16(5), pages 657-664.
    4. John Cameron & Anna Haanstra, 2008. "Development Made Sexy: how it happened and what it means," Third World Quarterly, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 29(8), pages 1475-1489.
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