Star-Makers: Cultural Consumption of Western Music Idols by East Asian Fans

Professor Introduction

J. F | Ph.D. in  Sociology

Home Institute： University of Chicago

Project Description

This study investigates the cultural consumption of Western music idols by East Asian fans, with a specific focus on Taylor Swift, one of the most prominent global pop stars in 2023. Despite her concerts in Asia being limited to Japan and Tokyo, she has attracted a significant number of fans from East and Southeast Asian countries. From the perspective of popular culture consumers, what motivates and drives these fans to participate in this global cultural phenomenon? How can this phenomenon be understood within the context of East Asian culture, politics, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on transnationalism? Using Chinese fans who attended Taylor Swift's "The Eras Tours" as a case study, this project aims to explore how fans in East Asian societies integrate into this global cultural consumption behavior. Through in-depth interviews, this project seeks to provide a deeper understanding of global cultural consumption phenomena. This project is suitable for students interested in cultural sociology.

Project Keywords

Project Outline

Part 1: Introduction to Global Cultural Consumption
•  Overview of fundamental concepts in global cultural consumption.
•  Key principles and historical context of idol culture.
•  Applications and relevance to current sociological research.

Part 2: Theoretical Frameworks
•  Exploration of theories related to cultural consumption, globalization, and transnationalism.
•  Examination of sociological variables (e.g., identity, community, cultural capital).
•  Discussion on the role of media and technology in cultural dissemination.

Part 3:  Literature Review
•  In-depth reading and analysis of existing literature on the cultural consumption of Western music idols by East Asian fans.
•  Identification of major viewpoints and debates in current research.
•  Discussion on research gaps and the significance of this study.

Part 4:  Research Methods
•  Introduction to qualitative research methods used in cultural sociology studies.
•  Techniques for designing and conducting in-depth interviews.
•  Practical exercises to develop research skills.

Part 5:  Data Collection and Analysis
•  Designing and conducting in-depth interviews with Chinese fans who attended Taylor Swift's "The Eras Tours".
•  Gathering data on motivations, experiences, and cultural integration.
•  Analyzing collected data using thematic analysis methods.

Part 6:  Case Studies and Real-World Examples
•  Comparative analysis of cultural consumption patterns among fans from different East Asian countries.
•  Examination of how cultural, political, and social factors influence fan behavior.
•  Discussion on policy implications and best practices.

Part 7: Empirical Results and Discussion
•  Presentation and interpretation of research findings.
•  Discussion of the significance and impact of findings.
•  Identification of research limitations and suggestions for improvement.

Part 8:  Policy Recommendations and Interventions
•  Development of policy recommendations based on research findings.
•  Discussion on how to support positive cultural consumption and fan engagement.
•  Practical suggestions for cultural institutions and policymakers.

Part 9:  Future Research Directions
•  Discussion of current trends and challenges in cultural consumption research.
•  Identification of open problems and future research directions.
•  Encouragement for student-led research projects.

Part 10:  Conclusion and Summary
•  Summary of the main findings and conclusions.
•  Discussion of contributions to cultural sociology research.
•  Recommendations for future research and practice.

Part 11: Research Paper and Presentation
•  Guidance on writing a well-structured research paper.
•  Tips for effective academic writing.
•  Instructions on preparing and delivering an engaging oral presentation.

Suitable for

High School Students:  
• Interested in sociology and cultural studies, preparing for advanced studies or competitions.
• Basic knowledge of sociological principles and cultural analysis.

University Students:
• Majoring in sociology, cultural studies, or related fields, seeking to deepen understanding and engage in research.
• Familiar with basic sociological theories and cultural concepts.