Constructing and internalizing countriness: Authenticity and fan diversity in country music culture

This dissertation explores the construction and internalization of three types of country music fan communities and the ways in which each community defines and uses the concept of "authenticity" to establish its boundaries. These three communities differ demographically and socio-culturally; they display different age groups, sexual orientations and social behaviors, and they enact different conceptions of country music. Their differences attest to a diversity in country music culture frequently overlooked. Yet these three diverse communities share important means in authenticating their forms of country music.; After exploring some influential works in ethnomusicology, folklore, popular music studies, and country music scholarship, the introductory chapters of this dissertation argue that fan perspectives can only deepen our understanding of musico-cultural systems. This research hinges on the theory that fan interpretation and evaluation of pop music affects the ways that individuals define themselves in relation to social groups. We do define ourselves and assess others, at least in part, through personal taste. Recognizing the connections between an individual's aesthetics and that person's group affiliations can lead the way to a fuller understanding of the role of music, and indeed culture, in contemporary America.; The middle chapters of this dissertation focus on three ways of grouping country music fans into communities. Fans may form communities defined by shared musical taste, tending to prefer one country music sub-genre over another. Or, they may align themselves through a preference for certain values and attitudes about what they believe constitutes{09}of country music culture. Fans also may use other social factors (here, sexual orientation) to create their community. Membership is not exclusive; fans often cross from one community into another. Based on intensive participant-observation, the middle chapters of this dissertation explore how fans use markers of authenticity to explain the existence of their country music communities.; The final chapter of this dissertation explores the meaning of authenticity in contemporary America and ultimately argues that the reason "authenticity" or "realness" is so important to academics and everyday citizens alike is because it is a projection and evaluation of one's sense of self in that it positions a person in relation to things authentic and true, or inauthentic and false.