Tropicália: strategic maneuvering in networks of musicians

Abstract

This article aims to build bridges between three theoretical fi elds: Organizational Strategy, Social Networks, and Social Identities. Byanalyzing the networks of Brazilian musicians (interpreters and composers), we monitor the emergence of new styles, along with the structural changes in the network. Within the period in analysis, from 1958 to 1969, four musical styles emerge and consolidate: Bossa Nova, Jovem Guarda, MPB and Tropicália. We utilized Social Networks Analysis in order to grasp three dimensions of the fi eld evolution: network evolution, creation of structural holes and transformation of actors’ centrality. Internal confl icts in a fi eld generate brokerage opportunities among groups separated by structural holes. These holes might be gradually bridged through incremental transformations in the artists’ networks. As the emerging artists’ influence increases, there is higher potential for the introduction of a new style and change of the fi eld’s classifi catory system.