Las redes de la globalización y su efecto en las músicas folclóricas: el caso de los sones mexicanos

Abstract

This essay explores the effect that globalization may have in folkloric traditions in general and Mexican son in particular. It analyzes how globalization can serve as a vehicle for popularization and / or reintepretation of some folkloric traditions, and how it may work as a tool for the negligence or the renewal of some musical genres as well. It presents the Mexican son —a musical experience and expression that synthesizes different contexts, elements, and cultural identities— through a historical journey from its formative years to its Golden Age period. This journey is located within different globalization movementes that took place historically. Consequently, this work analyzes several effects brought by globalization such as an intensive transformation of traditions and the constant negotiation between a global tendency to homogenize and a response to individualize and differenciatte on the part of the traditions themselves, that is, a reconsideration of the specific cultural values against the push of values imposed by hegemonic cultural trends.