Holistic educational ideals and pedagogy of trust within popular music education in civil society

Through directing focus towards hip-hop culture and aspects of young people’s learning in after-school hip-hop activities for participants 13 years and older within Swedish state-funded study associations, this article is guided by the following question: What meanings do hip-hop activities have for participants and rappers who function as ‘organic’ educators within Swedish study associations? The empirical data were produced through interviews with participants and rappers who function as organic hip-hop educators in Swedish study associations. The term ‘organic’ is used to underline how rappers, without formal education, have developed pedagogical skills through educating others. In light of holistic educational ideals, rappers and their pedagogical work can be understood to contrast the dominant trend in western education of instrumental and narrow perspectives and approaches to learning.