A critical study of protest music videos (A case study of the songs Baraye and Baraye Dokhtare Hamsayeh)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 M.A. Graduate, Department of Social Communication, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tehran. Tehran. Iran

2 Associate professor, Department of Social Communication, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

10.22034/scart.2026.143095.1682

Abstract

The connection between protest music and the emergence or continuation of social movements and protests is a significant aspect of the role of music and media in the social sphere of various societies. This becomes particularly important when protest music is combined with visuals, especially in an era where image-centric social media platforms such as Instagram are widely used. This study critically examines protest music videos and their role in social movements as a means of expressing dissent. Using a purposive sampling method, two music videos, Baraye and Baraye Dokhtare Hamsayeh, which emerged during the social protests in Iran in 2022, were selected for analysis. The study employs a combination of Roland Barthes’ "narrative analysis" and John Fiske’s "semiotics" as qualitative research methods.
The findings suggest that Baraye adopts a reflective approach, aiming to mirror the social realities of the time. The discourse it constructs is one of freedom, striving to shape a new social and political configuration for the future. Conversely, Baraye Dokhtare Hamsayeh takes a persuasive stance, adopting a formative approach that seeks to direct society toward a specific truth as perceived by the sender. Its discourse revolves around awareness and security, serving as a reminder to society from the creator’s perspective.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Sociology of Culture and Art

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 18 April 2026

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