Pop Music and Globalization: The Integration and Re-creation of Ethnic Elements

Abstract

Globalization has reshaped the soundscape of pop music, enabling the fusion of traditional ethnic elements, such as indigenous instruments, folk rhythms, regional languages, and vocal styles, into mainstream compositions. While such integrations reflect growing cultural interconnectivity, questions persist regarding how these creative choices influence audience perception and commercial outcomes. This research investigates the impact of ethnic integration on listener attitudes, perceived authenticity, cultural appreciation, stereotyping concerns, and market performance in global pop music. The research involved a quantitative research design, including a content analysis of 100 internationally popular pop songs (2015-2024) and survey responses from 1,200 global music listeners. Songs were systematically coded for ethnic elements, and participants evaluated them across multiple dimensions, including authenticity, appreciation, novelty, stereotyping, and engagement. Commercial success was measured through global streaming metrics and chart performance. Statistical techniques included Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) to assess perceptual differences, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) to structure perceptual dimensions, and hierarchical regression analysis to model relationships between perception variables and commercial performance. All analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 28. Results indicated that songs featuring ethnic elements were rated higher for authenticity, cultural value, and novelty but also raised concerns about stereotyping. The research shows that perceived authenticity and cultural appreciation greatly influence listener engagement and commercial success in global pop music. When applied appropriately, ethnic integration, enhances cultural engagement and broadens the international appeal of pop music.