Interpersonal Relations and Sex-Role Conflict in Modern American Country Music

Past social science analysis of country songs have isolated a relatively stable set of common values and concerns of the country audience that are reflected in the lyrics. These values and concerns, however, are seen to be quite inconsistent. This paper examines inconsistencies in the area of interpersonal relationships, developing them as of three main types; tensions, conflicts and contradictions. These are then examined in light of recent social change in America and its impact on the country audience in three areas; male bonding and friendship; conflicts between freedom and the responsibilities of home and marriage; and shifting sex role expectations of men and women in American society.