Sectarian music in West- Central Scotland. Identity, tradition and division

Markey, John (2019) Sectarian music in West- Central Scotland. Identity, tradition and division. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

In 2012 the Scottish Government passed a law that made it illegal to sing sectarian music at football games. This was repealed in 2018. During this time the topic of sectarianism in Scotland featured regularly in the media and drew increasing focus from the academy. However, within the academy, sectarian music did not come under the same scrutiny. Through interviews with those who listen regularly to sectarian music, this thesis for the first time paints a multi-faceted picture of sectarian music’s place in west-central Scottish society. This is achieved by focusing not only on sectarian music’s use through the nexus of footballing and marching but also at home, in private and at many social events throughout west-central Scotland. Sectarian music’s divisive and discriminatory character problematises the relationship between listener and music. In addressing sectarian music’s divisive nature, it is possible to challenge some established thinking within the academy regarding music and its role in the identity process. Ultimately this thesis demonstrates music’s power amongst individuals and society, demonstrating the importance it plays in the lives of those who listen to it.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Music, sectarianism, identity, division, agency, Irish Republicanism, Loyalism.
• Subjects: H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform; M Music and Books on Music > M Music
• Colleges/Schools: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Culture and Creative Arts > Music
• Supervisor's Name: McGuinness, Dr. David, Evans, Dr. Mark and Cloonan, Prof. Martin
• Date of Award: 2019
• Embargo Date: 9 June 2023
• Depositing User: Mr John Markey
• Unique ID: glathesis:2019-81430
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 10 Jun 2020 06:44
• Last Modified: 10 Jun 2020 06:44
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/81430