På barrikadene. En studie om idégrunnlaget i norsk musikkterapi

Abstract

This project focuses on the basic assumptions of Norwegian music therapy. The thesis is formed as a multiple-case-design in which the author studies 9 dissertations submitted for the degree of Doctor Philosophy. Ideas from area ethics and critical philosophy are used to enlighten the crucial aspects of awareness about the basic assumptions forming theory and practices. Findings in this study points at vital connections between Norwegian music therapy and ideas from the humanistic philosophy. These include ideas about social environments and creative actions as part of basic human needs. The dissertations investigated in this study contain ideas about cultural aspects as part of people´s health and quality of life, as well as ideas about individuals being repressed by societal boundaries. Based on findings in the dissertations, the author argues that perspectives from resource oriented music therapy, community music therapy and dialogical dimensions of music therapy may be viewed as parts of the same social academic movement. The dissertations seem to emphasize the importance of promoting possibilities of action as target for music therapy. Promoting social change may be one way to reach this target.