Tropicalism: Strategic maneuvers in musicians' networks Tropicália: Manobras estratégicas em redes de músicos

Abstract

This article aims to build bridges between three theoretical fields: Organizational Strategy, Social Networks, and Social Identities. By analyzing 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 field evolution: network evolution, creation of structural holes and transformation of actors' centrality. Internal confl icts in a field 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' infl uence increases, there is higher potential for the introduction of a new style and change of the field's classificatory system.