HARMONIES OF RESILIENCE AND RESISTANCE – A Psychological Analysis of Music in Conflict: The Case of Palestine

The cultural and psychosocial power of the arts has been well-documented in the academic sphere, with numerous studies dedicated to the impact of music on war and conflict dynamics. While most of the literature analyses it from anthropological, sociological and ethnomusicological perspectives, this thesis aims to apply a psychological lens to the topic, while simultaneously advocating for an interdisciplinary, integrative, and far from uncritical approach. The key facets of music in conflict are examined, encompassing concepts such as soundscaping, collective memory, social influence and music therapy. After a contextual analysis of Palestinian oral heritage, this dissertation ultimately supports the positive impact of music in war and post-war scenarios. Its therapeutic and sociopolitical effects are understood through the interconnected concepts of resilience, resistance, agency, and identity, anchoring the notion of ‘healing’ within a broader framework of social justice and human rights.