Anti-oppressive music therapy: Updates and future considerations

Research shows that systemic oppression negatively affects health outcomes for marginalized people (Baines, 2016; Williams & Cooper, 2020). Much of music therapy research, pedagogy, and practice has covertly and overtly participated in systemic oppression through embracing Eurocentric traditions that promote white supremacy. Anti-oppressive music therapy (AOMT) is a general theory that offers pathways forward in music therapy to dismantle systemic oppression and celebrate diversity and equity. AOMT is a way of working that requires deep critical reflection to recognize and acknowledge unearned privilege and commitment to address personal resistance to change. AOMT links critical music therapy theories to increase ethical practice and social justice in music therapy theory, education, research, and practice.

Automated summary

Anti-oppressive music therapy (AOMT) is a general theory aimed at dismantling systemic oppression and promoting diversity and equity. This approach requires deep critical reflection to recognize and acknowledge privilege and a commitment to address personal resistance to change. AOMT connects critical music therapy theories to enhance ethical practice and social justice in music therapy theory, education, research, and practice.