Neo-colonialism In Music Therapy: A Critical Interpretive Synthesis of the Literature Concerning Music Therapy Practice With Refugees

作者

  • Rachael Comte University of Melbourne

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v16i3.865

关键词:

refugee, neo-colonialism, critical interpretive synthesis, music therapy

摘要

This paper presents the findings from a critical interpretive synthesis that explored the assumptions influencing music therapists writing about their work with refugees. Music therapy literature suggests that the profession appears to be uniquely suited to address the healthcare needs of the refugee population by transcending cultural and language barriers which often mitigate access to other services. However, when working with individuals characterised by trauma and whose identities have been dictated by political power, it is essential that music therapy practices oppose these forces and provide opportunities for empowerment. Therefore, eleven papers describing music therapy practice with refugees from the international literature were examined and interrogated to determine the assumptions embedded within the language used by music therapists. The synthetic construct of a neo-colonial music therapist emerged from the data and informed subsequent analysis. The concepts of refugees as a homogenous group defined by a dominant narrative of trauma, and musical improvisation as a universal language appeared to be influential in the ways music therapists were reporting on their work. These findings are discussed along with considerations for a music therapy practice that promotes empowerment and advocates for the voices of the refugee population.

Author Biography

Rachael Comte, University of Melbourne

Rachael Comte earned her Master’s degree in music therapy from the University of Melbourne in 2015. For her minor thesis project, Rachael critically examined the writing of music therapists reporting on their work with refugees.With a keen interest in social justice, Rachael became the first music therapist employed by Parkville College, a pioneering organisation providing education for children and young people within custody across Victoria, Australia and has since taken on a full time position with the school.Rachael is also an active member of the Victorian Branch of the Australian Music Therapy Association, for which she has served both as a student representative and general member.

已出版

2016-09-06

How to Cite

Comte, R. (2016). Neo-colonialism In Music Therapy: A Critical Interpretive Synthesis of the Literature Concerning Music Therapy Practice With Refugees. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 16(3). https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v16i3.865

栏目

Research