Author: Na Li
Source: The Intellect Handbook of Popular Music Methodologies
Link: https://intellectdiscover.com/content/books/9781835951033.c22?crawler=true
Abstract
The research of masculinity in Chinese music is mainly built around the dichotomy between wu and wen, two abstract and contrasting systems that are not only used to refer to two male gender types but also as gendered terminology to imply soft and hard masculinities/powers respectively (e.g. Louie 2002, 2014). By exploring the construction of hardness and softness through China Wind style music, this chapter emphasizes the impact of listening experience on the reception of gender identities.
This chapter examines audience as the subject to explore Chinese style popular music. Based on ethnographic investigations, it demonstrates the vital relationship between popular music and local cultures. The terms and concepts that are revealed through the interview data provide a way to rethink the structure and meaning of both the concept of (Chinese) style and (gender) identity in popular music.