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Introduction
Music in general, is known to play an important part in the behaviours of young people. In
Jamaican society, dancehall music is the preferred genre of music. Dancehall is a style that
originated in the 1970s and is often labeled as the 21
st
century reggae and is seen by many as
an integral part of our Jamaican culture. There are however drawbacks as the themes promoting
political and social awareness expressed by reggae are now replaced with those promoting
violence, and sexual behaviours.
In Jamaican society today, dancehall is becoming more popular than ever, particularly among
teenagers. This has brought about concern as there is a general perception that there is a direct
correlation between dancehall music and the misbehaviour of young people. This study attempts
to shed some light on this issue by investigating the attitudes of young people towards dancehall
music and therefore serves to actually determine whether or not there is some connection with
this deviant behaviour and dancehall music.
This problem interested the researcher, mostly because of the daily observances of young people
and the way in which they react to dancehall music and how frequently they listen to it. Another
observance made is that these very students continue to keep up with the new dancehall music
that is released, but however are not able to channel that energy into their academics. It is with
these observances that the researcher chose to investigate the effects of dancehall on student,
ages 12-19.
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This study will provide parents, educators and other parties with a better understanding of the
effects of dancehall music on young people, and in so doing will assist them in making better
judgments when addressing these issues. It will also aid them in establishing programs and
policies better suited to the individual needs of our youth. Moreover, in this research, the
researcher aims to contribute to existing literature on the relationship between dancehall music
and deviant behavior and it might be of some aid to those being affected by the given problem.
The research will be guided by the following questions:
1. How do students feel about dancehall music?
2. How does dancehall music affect the social lives of young people?
3. What kind of values does dancehall music promote?
4. What strategies can be used to mitigate the negative impact of dancehall music?
5.
Definition of Technical Terms:
Behaviour: the way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially towards others.
Attitude: a settled way of thinking or feeling about something.
Values: the accepted moral principles or standards of a person or group.
Mass Media: A means of public communication reaching a large audience.
Deviant Behaviour: Deviant behaviour refers to behaviour which does not adhere to widely-
accepted social or cultural norms

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Literature Review
The influence of dancehall music on our generation has, of recent times, been a frequent topic of
discussion by parents, teachers and many healthcare providers, especially due to patterned
increases in deviant behaviour. In an effort to better understand whether or not dancehall music
has in fact had an impact on this apparent change in behavior, the researcher explored a number
of different perspectives on the topic, and a number of sources were examined.
Research suggests that there is a correlation between the hardcore dancehall genre and the
sexual and violent behaviours of adolescents (Crawford 2010). This study suggested that the
lyrical content in dancehall music affects adolescents on a psychological level and can influence
their behaviours. It was determined that the mean age for sexual activity in boys and girls were
11.4 and 12.8 respectively. Similarly, in a study conducted by Dr. Craig Anderson of Iowa State
University, it was found that violent and aggressive thoughts brought about by listening to
violent music, could further translate to real world violence.
In a 2009 Jamaican study done by Marcia Forbes, she found that the teenage students, when
taking public transportation, were drawn to the taxis with very tinted windows that played
dancehall music. The study goes on to explain that that the female students would sit in the laps
of the male students and gyrate their bodies to the music-behaviour which is facilitated by both
the bus conductor and the bus driver. It further goes on to describe how young people would go
out of their way to try and meet the standards of these dancehall artistes. She appeals to these
artistes to act more responsibly and be careful about the lyrics that they put in their music.
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In contrary to these two studies, a study done by Dr. Donna Hope Marquis in 2009-one met with
a lot of criticism- found that there is little to no correlation between dancehall music and
violence. Control and case grouping were utilized in this study, and questionnaires were
distributed to 300 young people aged from 15-24. It was found that dancehall music was the
favourite genre, yet 55% of the control group and 42% of the case group believed that it
promoted violent behaviour. Despite this, they did not believe that it made them any more
violent. In terms of early sexual behaviour, Dr. Marquis says while there is a connection between
dancehall music and such behaviour, the influence of dancehall music is negligible when
compared to influences such as peer pressure and early exposure to pornography. Her sentiments
were shared by Dylan Pow, the organizer of the famed street dance, Passa Passa. He argues that
dancehall music is no more influential than other aspects of the mass media and other genres
such as Hip Hop or Soca, and therefore does not prohibit children from attending the event.
On a point of interest, Owen Joseph in his book, Jamaican Dancehall: Misconceptions and
Pedagogical Advantages, proposed some benefits of dancehall music including how it could be
used to further enhance the learning experience as well as to aid in teaching students about their
history as Caribbean people by exploring the African origins of the genre.





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Data Collection
For this study, both quantitative and qualitative techniques were employed in order to obtain the
primary data. This included the administering of questionnaires and the conducting of an
interview.
Thirty-two (32) students were chosen at random from grades nine to thirteen of two different
high schools in the area. Four (4) females and four (4) males were selected from each grade, and
a questionnaire comprising of twenty (20) close-ended questions were collectively administered
to them on March 24, 2014. This method was used as it allowed the researcher to obtain a
relatively large amount of information in a given period of time and it was much easier to
analyze and sort this data when compared with other research methods.
An informal interview was also conducted with Marion Cowell (pseudonym), a teacher who
holds a degree in cultural studies, whereby questions relevant to the study were posited. This was
done in an attempt to get a different perspective on the problem and to obtain more detailed and
authentic answers.







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Presentation and Analysis of Data
The main findings of the research are that the majority of students listen to dancehall music, with
it being the preferred genre for the majority of them.
Figure 1 below shows that 74% of the sample did not have their parents monitoring the music
they listened to. This tells us that they are virtually no parental restrictions on the music these
students are exposed to, and therefore no control over how it might affect them.

Figure 1. Monitoring by parents

3%
74%
23%
Yes
No
Somewhat
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Figure 2. Whether or not student make a thorough assessment of music


Figure 3. Qualities of music which most appeals to students
0
5
10
15
20
25
Yes
No
17
22
Do you believe you make a
thorough assessment of the
music you listen to?
20%
67%
6%
7%
Catchy lyrics
Good Beat/ Rhytmic Quality
Promotion of positive values
Good Quality Vocals
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It is also interesting to note that the majority of these students admitted to not properly assessing
the music they listened to, however when they did, they only paid attention to factors such as
good beat and catchy lyrics as opposed to the promotion of positive values. This further implies
that students believe that the lyrics constituting dancehall music does not have an effect on them.



Figure 4. Time spent listening to dancehall music per day

Looking at Figure 4, we are able to see that the majority of the sample listens to dancehall music
for over an hour per day. This coincides with the fact that the majority of students do not have
the music they listen to properly monitored by parents and are therefore allowed to listen to
dancehall for as long they want which can be a hindrance, especially in terms of carrying out
their daily responsibilities e.g homework or studying.

4
10
2
1
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
Less than an
hour
1-2 hours 3-4 hours I dont listen
to dancehall
music
How much time do you spend
per day listening to dancehall
music?
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Male Female
Uplifted 0 0
Aggressive 12 3
Relaxed 3 2
Excited 4 8
Figure 5. Mood felt by male and female respondents when listening to dancehall music


Figure 6. Students perception of dancehall artistes in society

21%
55%
7%
17%
Role Models
Trendsetters
Activists
Entertainers
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Figure 7. Themes most strongly represented in dancehall music


Female Male
Sexual Content 9 1
Violent Lyrics 1 2
Profane Language 5 3
I wouldnt change anything 2 8
Figure 8. Elements of dancehall students would change

These findings were probably some of the most significant of the entire research. 74% of the
respondents identified Sex and Sexuality as the most strongly represented theme in dancehall
music as seen in figure 7, suggesting that they are not necessarily expecting any wholesome
content. Despite this, it was found that the majority of the male sample did not feel that dancehall
music was in need of any alterations and was satisfied with the content. This is most likely just
3%
0%
74%
23%
Gender Role definitions
Political and Social Injustice
Sex and Sexuality
Violence
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the result of conforming to social convention. The females however, felt that there should be less
sexual content.
Interestingly, 48% students acknowledged the fact that there main motive for listening to
dancehall music was as a result of peer pressure as can be observed in figure 9 below. This
coincides with the fact that students do not make a thorough assessment of the music they listen
to as was discussed before.



Figure 9. Reasons for listening to dancehall music

0
5
10
15
8
15
1
7
Why do you listen to dancehall
music?
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Figure 10. Where dancehall music is heard most often by students



Figure 11. Relative number of friends who listen to dancehall
56%
6%
10%
9%
19%
In public
At parties
At home
At school via peers
Through the media
70%
10%
16%
4%
Most of them
Few of them
All of them
None of them
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Interview Conducted
In the interview conducted with Marion Cowell, it was her view that students take for granted
any effect that dancehall music might have on them subconsciously and also that despite its
suggestive themes, young people gravitate towards this kind of music in an attempt to fit in as it
is popular culture. This assessment supports the research findings. In discussing the impact of
dancehall music on students, Ms. Cowell explained that these messages delivered to students are
very highly likely to be translated into their behaviours, which is corroborative with the study
done by Crawford (2010).
As it relates to establishment of parental restrictions, Miss Cowell highlighted the fact that the
students do not make a thorough assessment of their choices in music. She went on to explain
that parents can control what their child is exposed to up to a certain point, however, regardless
of any restrictions set up, the children will eventually come into contact with dancehall through
peers, mainstream media or even out on the streets. She further went on to say that as members
of the society, dancehall artistes have to acknowledge that their main demographic is teenagers
(a very impressionable social group) and that they should be more responsible and considerate
with respect to the themes and values they are promoting to the youth of Jamaica through their
music.



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Discussion of Findings
Due to the fact that dancehall culture is becoming more popular among the youth and the
registered increase in delinquent behaviour, it was necessary to evaluate why the youth gravitate
towards this kind of music and their perception of dancehall to determine whether or not it
plays a part in deviancy among youth. The main findings in this research was that the vast
majority of students listened to dancehall music due to the influence of their peers as well as the
fact that they did not make a thorough assessment of the music they choose to listen to, but more
so, the fact they acknowledged this.
As with any genre of music, the lyrics being transferred are highly likely to influence the
recipient individual in some ways. The findings that dancehall music made males feel more
aggressive and females more excited corresponded with the study done by Crawford (2010)
about the effect of the music on adolescents in affecting emotional behaviour. One issue of
concern is the fact that students are completely aware of the content of the lyrics, and are not
expecting clean lyrics, but many of the youth still gravitate towards this type of music regardless
because it is what is current. The findings that dancehall artistes are seen as trendsetters, and that
students will follow these trends in an attempt to just fit in supports the study conducted by
Forbes (2009). Forbes suggested, and I agree, that dancehall artistes have a role in the
community to try and positively contribute to the development of children, and should try to
promote more substantial values.
It was mostly found that the influence of peers is a big factor in the kind of music listened to by
students. It was therefore assumed that this influence also penetrate through to other aspects of
their lives. These findings somewhat corresponds to conclusions made by Dr. Hope- Marquis in
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her 2012 study. She expressed that the influence of dancehall music alone on certain aspects of
deviant behaviour can be seen as negligible compared to the influence of peers.













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Conclusion
The majority of students listen to dancehall music; this is mostly because it is popular culture.
Additionally they do not make very calculated evaluations of the music they choose to listen as
they are very highly influenced by their peers. These conclusions are validated by previous
studies.











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Limitations/ Recommendations
One major factor affecting the validity of this study was the small sample size, which was only
32 individuals. Also, the fact that the sample of respondents obtained were mostly a part of the
same social circles, and so this study cannot provide an accurate representation of the wider
society. Apart from this, this study does point to the need for a larger study on the given
problem. It also suggests that maybe a study could carried out on the extent to which peer
pressure affects students.
It is also recommended that parents begin to monitor to a certain extent what it is their child is
exposed to, but more importantly to try and instill in their children values facilitating
independence, and expose them to music which will aid in their social development.








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Bibliography
Crawford A.D. (2010). The effects of dancehall genre on adolescent sexual and violent behavior
in Jamaica: A public health concern. North Am J Med Sci; 2: 143-145.
"Exposure to Violent Media: The Effects of Songs With Violent Lyrics on Aggressive Thoughts
and Feelings," Craig A. Anderson and Nicholas L. Carnagey, Iowa State University and Janie
Eubanks, Texas Department of Human Services; Journal of Personality and Social
Psychology, Vol. 84, No. 5.
Joseph, O. (2012). Jamaican Dancehall: Misconceptions and Pedagogical Advantages.
Bloomington, IN: Booktango; 112-115
Forbes, M. (2009, November 05). Art versus Life: The Gully- Gaza Feud. Jamaica Observer
Hope-Marquis, D. (2009, December 27). No link between dancehall and violence among youth-
UWI study shows link statistically insignificant. The Gleaner. p
Manning, G. (2008, March 02). Music triggers early sexual activity- study. The Gleaner. p.








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Appendix
Questionnaire
Gender:
Male
Female

1. To which age group do you belong?
12-15
15-18
18-21
Over 21

2. Rate the following genres of music from your favourite to least favourite, using
numbers 1-6, with six being the least.
Reggae
R&B
Soca
Hip Hop
Dancehall
Other

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3. Do your parents actively monitor the music you listen to?
No
Yes
Somewhat

4. Do you believe that you make a thorough assessment of the music you listen to?
Yes
No

5. What do you most look for in the music you listen to?
Catchy Lyrics
Good Beat/ Rhythmic Qualities
Promotion of positive values
Good quality vocal

6. How do you feel about dancehall music?
It is an integral part of Jamaican Culture
It sends the wrong messages to our youth
Its only meant for entertainment purposes
Its vulgar and inappropriate

7. How has dancehall music affected you responsiveness to authority figures?
I respond positively to authority figures
I have little regard for authority figures
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I have no regard for authority
It hasnt affected the way I respond to authority figures
8. Why do you listen to dancehall music?
Personal like for it
Influence of peers
It inspires youth and uplifts them and teaches them about life
I don't listen to dancehall music \

9. About how much of your time per day you spend listening to dancehall music?
Less than an hour
1-2 hours
3-4 hours
I dont listen to dancehall
10. Do your friends listen to dancehall music as well?
Most of them
Very few of them
All of them
None of them

11. Out of the following options where do you hear dancehall music most often?
In public on the streets
At parties
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At home
At school via peers
Television/ Radio

12. What best describes your mood whilst listening to Dancehall music?
Uplifted
Aggressive
Relaxed
Excited

13. Provided with the opportunity, what would you change about dancehall music?
Sexual Content
Violent Lyrics
Profane Language
I wouldnt change anything

14. Which of these themes are expressed most strongly in dancehall music?
Gender role definitions
Social and Political Injustice
Sex and sexuality
Violence

15. How are dancehall artistes seen in todays society?
Role models
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Trendsetters
Political and Social activists
Solely as Entertainers

16. How do you think dancehall music affects you in terms of your daily activities and
responsibilities?
It diverts attention from doing homework and assignments
It makes you more productive
It interferes with your social life
It doesnt affect you at all

17. How has dancehall music affected the way you look at the opposite sex
I have more respect for the opposite sex
I have less respect for the opposite sex
It has not affected the way I look at the opposite sex
I dont know

18. What are some of the benefits of dancehall music to Jamaica?
Widens Jamaicas sphere of influence
Brings in Foreign Exchange from tourism
Preservation of Jamaican culture
There are no benefits

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19. Which of these problems do you feel is as a result of the influence of dancehall
music? (Tick more than one if necessary.)
Increase in teenage pregnancy
Crime and Violence
Increased use of drugs
Poor academic performance among young people

20. Do you believe dancehall music has a negative effect on our youth? If yes, what do you
think can be done to alleviate this?
Parents should closely monitor and have more control over what children are exposed to
Community programs and school seminars to promote good values
Artistes should start promoting more positive values
I dont believe that it has any negative effects on youth