Analysis of adolescents' identity formations through their musical preferences in the context of identity sociology

This study aims to examine adolescents' identity formation through their music preferences. Adolescence is a transitional period between childhood and adulthood in which individuals search for identity, and emotional as well as social development is experienced intensely. During this period, adolescents use various means to explore and express their identities. Music is one of these significant means. Music plays a critical role in enabling adolescents to express themselves, construct group identities, and develop a sense of belonging. The identity formation processes of adolescents interested in different genres such as pop, rock, rap, and arabesque are shaped by the thematic and cultural content of these genres. For instance, adolescents who listen to rap music may become more sensitive to issues such as social injustice and inequality, while those who listen to pop music may focus more on individual expression and the pursuit of social acceptance. Adolescents feel a sense of belonging to certain groups through their music preferences and strengthen their identities within these groups. Music groups play an important role in shaping adolescents' social interactions and social identities. This study addresses how adolescents' music preferences may change over time and the role of these changes in their participation in and disengagement from different social groups, using a qualitative research method. The role of adolescents' music preferences in identity formation is examined from a sociological perspective. The study provides a framework for understanding youth identity formation within the context of the sociology of identity. The research focuses on the music preferences of 30 adolescents (15 female and 15 male) aged between 15 and 17, residing in the Boğazlıyan district of Yozgat, Turkey. Data obtained through interviews with these students are presented and discussed in the Findings section.