Miss Americana is taking centre stage at the University of Birmingham’s Festival of Social Sciences this October.
Credit: Paolo Villanueva
Miss Americana is taking centre stage at the University of Birmingham’s Festival of Social Sciences this October, with academic experts exploring the lyrics, economic impact, and cultural influence of Taylor Swift.
The Taylor Swift Phenomenon is a free event taking place on Wednesday 23rd October, at the Bramall Concert Hall on the University of Birmingham campus. Academic experts will cover a range of topics connected to the world’s most iconic artist, from how the Eras Tour made a stadium performance intimate, and the civic meaning of her lyrics, to the misogyny that Swift has faced throughout her career. It will also feature live music from University of Birmingham music students.
Among the distinguished speakers will be Dr Iona Murphy, a humanities lecturer from the University of Huddersfield with a unique knowledge of Taylor Swift. Dr Murphy, who recently served as an advisor for the highly anticipated Taylor Swift Songbook Trail exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum, will draw parallels between Swift and famous literary figures, positioning the singer-songwriter within a broader cultural and literary framework. Her insights promise to offer a fresh perspective on Swift’s storytelling and poetic genius.
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour has had an unprecedented impact, not just on fans but on the global economy (...) This event will allow us to examine how such cultural phenomena shape economic decisions and consumer behaviour in ways we’ve never seen before.
The event will be hosted by Professor Sarah Montano, Professor of Retail Marketing at the Birmingham Business School, who has extensively researched and commented on the societal impact of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.
Professor Montano said: “Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour has had an unprecedented impact, not just on fans but on the global economy. From travel and tourism to merchandise and retail spending, the ripple effects of the tour have been vast. This event will allow us to examine how such cultural phenomena shape economic decisions and consumer behaviour in ways we’ve never seen before."
The University of Birmingham’s very own Taylor Swift Society will play a central role in the day’s activities, hosting a Friendship Bracelet Workshop. Inspired by Taylor Swift's Eras Tour tradition of exchanging friendship bracelets, this interactive workshop offers attendees a fun, creative opportunity to engage with Swift's fan culture firsthand.
This event is a must-attend for fans, students, scholars, and even those who don’t quite get Taylor Swift. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the broader implications of Swift's work, from how her fame exposes society’s complex views on women and misogyny, examining her unique relationship with her fans, and uncovering the economic power of "Swiftonomics".
The event is part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science, which brings together academics and the public to explore how social science affects our everyday lives.
For more information and to register, visit: the events section of our website.
Professor of Retail Marketing
Sarah Montano is a Senior Lecturer in Marketing at Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham, UK.
