Singing Social Change: An Investigation of Two U.S. Children's Choruses

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to consider how, if at all, social change was enacted on an everyday level in two U.S. children's choruses through their artistic and educational work. We employed a collective case study alongside grounded theory analytical techniques to examine individual and collective actions as well as social processes related to social change. We interviewed key personnel, observed rehearsals and performances, and reviewed material culture including organization mission statements, publicly available concert programs, website information, and planning documents provided by participants. Findings suggest that social change was understood as a series of everyday occurrences linked to relationships and community. We provide a preliminary conceptual framework for everyday social change, suggesting that such a framework may exemplify how youth arts organizations pursue social change in their social and educational work. This framework has two main tenets: (a) a focus on reflexive practice and pedagogy and (b) a commitment to localized movements and actions.