Are you more likely to headbang to Metallica or sway along to Mumford & Sons? The answer might reveal more than just your taste in music—it could be a window into your political soul. A major new scientific study has uncovered a powerful connection between the genres we love and the parties we vote for.
The Sound of Your Vote
Researchers from the University of Montreal conducted a massive survey, analysing data from 125,000 Canadians during the 2021 federal election and the 2022 Quebec provincial election. Participants were quizzed on their favourite music, political views, personality, and social class.
The results were striking. The study found that Conservative voters are more likely to be country or metal fans. In a fascinating detail, the research indicated that listening to metal is as strong a predictor of a Conservative vote as classic demographic factors like age or income.
On the other side of the political spectrum, the study revealed that left-wing voters have a clear preference for folk music. Those who supported parties like Québec solidaire were significantly more drawn to this genre.
Professor Catherine Ouellet, the study's lead author, clarified, "These are broad associations, but they corroborate the findings of similar U.S. studies. The point is that there are apparently non-political variables that can be indicative of deeper political predispositions."
Personality in Every Playlist
The research didn't stop at politics. It also delved into the links between musical preferences and personality traits, building on previous studies from 2015 that connected music to character.
According to the findings, fans of country, folk rock, or rap tend to be extraverts. Conversely, if your playlist is filled with alternative rock, hard rock, or metal, you're more likely to be introverted.
Furthermore, the study found that enthusiasts of metal, rap, folk rock, and rock scored significantly lower for traits like agreeableness and conscientiousness.
Breaking the Class Ceiling
One of the most surprising outcomes challenges long-held sociological beliefs. Contrary to theories from French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, which suggested that high social classes prefer jazz and classical music, this study found no link between musical preference and social class.
"There is increasing heterogeneity in musical preferences within social classes," Professor Ouellet explained. "Today, so-called popular music is appreciated by all socioeconomic groups."
Some subtle patterns remain, however. The research noted that hip-hop and pop are more popular among low-income individuals, while rock and alternative rock dominate among higher earners.
The team concluded that our favourite songs can reveal shared values and worldviews, making music preferences a significant and worthy subject for social scientists. The findings were published in the journal Acta Politica, suggesting your playlist is more telling than you might have imagined.
