Songs of Unity and Division: Can Music Influence Intergroup Attitudes in Conflict?

Music is often used in political events, to induce group emotions and strengthen belonging, energy and conviction. The judicial reform promoted by the Israeli government in 2023 sparked strong opposition and massive weekly demonstrations. While opposers and supporters of the reform represent two conflicting groups, both consider themselves a part of the common Israeli society. Two studies examined whether “protest” and “unity” songs, emphasizing group distinction or communalities respectively, influence emotions related to the common Israeli ingroup, and whether these emotions influence affective polarization, depolarization and willingness to compromise. Study 1 found that protest songs evoke negative emotions, leading to increased polarization, while unity songs create positive emotions, encouraging depolarization and compromise. Study 2 showed that music evokes stronger emotions than similar texts, with songs significantly influencing intergroup attitudes. The findings suggest that music has an indirect impact on attitudes by generating emotions, beyond the lyrics’ content.