J.H. Gundlach Resources

Stack, S. & Gundlach, J.H. (1992, September). The effects of country music on suicide. Social Forces, 71(1), 211-218. Armstrong, E.G. (1986, August). Country music sex songs. Journal of Sex Research, 22(3), 370-378.

OVERVIEW

BACKGROUND

The focus of research (though not specific to teens) deals with country music and its influence on teens in the 1990s. Recently, a rediscovery of country music has flourished. Dance halls and new and old styles of country clothing have become popular in mainstream youth subcultures. The effects of country upon teens could be significant, as song lyrics sometimes deal with suicide and sexually explicit matters.

AIM

In adolescent subcultures, a multitude of problematic issues exists. Within this research review are discussed two prevalent issues—suicide and sexual deviance. The research examines the possible repercussions of country music on teen listeners and the effects that lyrics may have on their lifestyles. Why is country music influential? What types of kids find it appealing? Which kids find it distasteful?

DESIGN

The first research study on suicide was done on a sample of 48 large metropolitan areas where data on music were available. The exposure to country music was measured as the proportion of radio airtime to other music, and the annual mortality tapes (ICPSR) record of suicides per 100,000 population in 1985.

The second piece of research studied lyric content and sexual issues found in songs limited to radio play from 1971 to 1986. Among themes studied were auto eroticism, birth control, extramarital affairs, forced rape, frigidity, homosexuality, nymphomania, pornography, and prostitution. (Note: Direct data of influences upon teen listeners were not specifically studied, but it is inferred that teens are as influenced by country lyrics as adults.)

FINDINGS

The greater the airtime given to country music, the greater the white suicide rate was. Country music and suicide were also significantly related to gun availability. Metropolitan areas that played country music were prone to higher suicide rates. Lastly, country music was related to divorce and to southern location, and it was discovered that country music has diffused across the spectrum of social classes.

Country music fans may constitute an emerging "culture class." (This may also occur within the teenage group.)

Of country music sex songs, Armstrong categorized them as the following: comic and novelty, story commentary, societal reaction, and multiple category songs. Nearly every song had metaphorical language ranging from strongly moralistic to the lecherously explicit.

CONCLUSIONS

From the results of Stack’s study, it can be concluded that adults and teens are similarly influenced to consider or commit suicide when listening to country music for extended periods of time. Country music allows an opportunity for people to consider suicide an option when facing negative circumstances in life.

Along the same lines, Armstrong’s study does not prove that country music is sexually immoral; rather it indicates that country music contains a variety of sexual contents. With this in mind, one should be aware of the explicit nature of many country music lyrics and consider the effects of country music on youth who listen to its catchy tunes day after day.

IMPLICATIONS

1. When exposed to country music from radio, tapes, and dance halls, do your youth slowly adopt the principles and lifestyles sung about? Statistics indicate that this may happen. Therefore, one needs to be aware of the country music to which kids listen. It may be harmless and fun, but it may also become a counselor that discusses suicide and sexual deviance.
2. As always, it is important to be a friend to a young person before giving them advice. Allow a careful amount of freedom to them so that they can express their frustrations and growing pains—especially when they are dealing with issues of suicide and sexual looseness in the world. Role modeling the correct lifestyle reactions to these problems can offer the most effective lessons to young people.
3. It is important to be aware of country music lyrics and the role models in this arena. To help young country music listeners, one can help young people understand what to do when the world demands from them instant adulthood and sexual awareness.
4. Country music and its forms of dancing are not inherently bad, and many times are much better alternatives to the wild heavy metal and rapping subcultures that make up the majority of youth music. Yet, even with country music’s appeal for social interaction and group dancing, one should not forget that the lifestyles promoted by many country songs may not contribute positively to society and the family.