Beyond an Ecological Perspective of Performing Artists: Exploring the Interplay of Heterogeneous Factors Among Performers in the Entertainment Industry

摘要

Performing artists in the entertainment industry as a whole, are not a widely studied population in academic discourse. The objective of this study was to use a qualitative approach to generate an in-depth understanding of performing artists and explore the impact and interplay of heterogeneous factors as performers navigated careers in the entertainment industry. Specific attention was given to a number of factors- family relationships, social relationships, media, social media, religious faith, and fame---as well as other environmental and cognitive factors which emerged from the in-depth interviews. Phase one of Bronfenbrenner's ecology of human development theory was used as a framework to describe and explain the interplay of these factors and their influence on the settings transitions into and out of the entertainment industry, as well as how these factors changed as a result of these settings transitions. Using Bronfenbrenner's ecological perspective as an initial framework, a new model was conceived to incorporate both the environmental and cognitive factors that impacted performing artists throughout the course of their careers; thus allowing for a thorough explanation of performing artists which extends beyond an ecological perspective. Future directions of research, which may produce further insights into this understudied population, are also offered.