Living in the Digital Age: Youth, Prosocial Behavior, and the Broadway Musical

Abstract

Discusses the American Broadway musical as performed in American high schools and concentrates on prosocial behaviors that are featured in these musicals and available in digital formats. The paper describes prosocial behaviors as “[...] a broad range of actions intended to benefit one or more people other than oneself – behaviors such as helping, comforting, sharing and cooperation.” Prosocial behavior can also be understood as “[...] a type of helping behavior [extended to others] that ultimately confers some benefits to the self.” This paper expands on these descriptions to include the following: acceptance of self and others; honoring commitments; appreciation of diversity; deciding on a direction in life; recognizing oppression, prejudice, and stereotyping; appreciation of self-awareness; and comfort with self-expression (Cherry). This paper explores how musicals can be used in the classroom to encourage prosocial behaviors among youth.