Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Precarious Collaborations: A Study Of Interpersonal Conflict And Resolution Strategies In Local Rock Bands, Ryan Thomas

Anthropology Department: Theses

Drawing upon interviews with 15 local musicians, related literature, and personal experience, this thesis examines the interpersonal conflicts experienced by local music bands, and accompanying methods of reconciliation. Despite extensive variation between bands, I have identified common agitators and resolution mechanisms. Disagreements often occur due to differing aspirations of the band members, the type of structure governing decision making, competition among members, criticism during songwriting, monetary issues, workload, and the age of a group’s members. Common methods of reconciliation and conflict prevention include encouragement of open communication, the ability to selectively ignore unsolvable disagreements, and active group mediation. More drastic …