School of Education

Music for Social Cohesion in Bolivia

This project examined the contribution made by music practices in developing social cohesion with individuals affected by social and ethnic tensions in the Plurinational State of Bolivia. From January 1, 2022, to April 30, 2023, a small team across the University of Glasgow and Bolivia carried out a comprehensive review of academic and grey literature, fieldwork in two locations, and project dissemination. The research was focused on identifying the processes and needs of relevant programs/NGOs that develop social music activities in Bolivia while critically assessing the role of music practices for social cohesion. The project’s framework was based on previous studies on the transformative potential of the arts (e.g. Odena, 2023). The study sought to address four research questions. The 190-page final report considers the research stages and main results obtained, and includes profiles of relevant projects and two selected case studies in Cochabamba and Sucre. Findings draw on an analysis of song lyrics from the case studies, and on interviews with project staff and beneficiaries. The discussion is followed by limitations and conclusions, including implications for policymakers and practitioners.

The research underpinning the report was commissioned by the Prosperity Office of the British Embassy in La Paz. Odena, at Glasgow, led the project as Principal Investigator (PI) with local support from Research Assistant Salinas-Maceda. From the outset the project was aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 16 to promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies. A selection of findings was discussed in March 2023 at a knowledge exchange event with research, practice and policy leaders organised by The Arts of Inclusion network, supported by the Royal Society of Edinburgh and led by the PI.