YOUTH SUBCULTURE
What does Youth Culture mean?
Youth culture: it suggests that all youths share a particular set of norms and values that are distinct from
those of adult or children.
Some argue that the biological changes that occurs during the teenage years affect the period known as
‘youth’. The biological changes can explain any rebellious behaviour and conflict. However, other sociologists
would disagree and argue that biology does not always effect the ideas of youth; they argue that youth varies
between ‘time’ and ‘culture’. Thus, Youth is socially constructed.
- Youth is often seen to correspond to teenage years but some argues that it begins earlier and extends
into the early twenties. The term ‘tweenagers’ is used to describe children about 7-12. They have
started to focus on pop culture and imitating adult celebrities. Postman discusses the ‘disappearance
of childhood’ and blames the media for exposing children to the adult world too young and sexualising
them.
- Youth is beginning earlier and earlier. Nowadays people are staying in education for longer and
marrying and starting families later.
How are youths socially constructed?
A) Initiation rites
The transition from childhood to adulthood is almost instantaneous which is normally marked by an initiation
or a ritual. This may involve some kind of test such as proving manhood in a battle etc. or in some culture, the
initiation is marked by a celebration such as prom.
B) Inevitable trouble
The youth phase is often characterised by conflict with adults which is seen as normal for their age and it is
deemed as an essential part of growing up. However, other cultures challenge the idea that turmoil associated
with youth is ‘natural’. Margaret Mead’s study on Samoan culture found out that there was very little trauma
in adolescence and the transition from youth to adulthood is unremarkable.
3 things that forms a subculture:
1) Affluence:
In the 1950’s teenagers had more money to spend than previous generations, industries started to
respond to the growing spending power of this age group by producing goods specifically aimed at the
youth market e.g.: JD sports
2) Leisure
Modern teenagers not only have more money to spend than previous generations but they also have
more free time in which to enjoy night life, films, records, fashion etc.
3) Mass Media
The record industry such as TV, Radio, magazines etc. publishers have expanded their cater for the
teenage markets. The mass media as a whole have stimulated interest in new youth groups. The popular
press often seems obsessed with the new way out styles of the young people.
, Spectacular youth subculture: A spectacular youth subculture is a subculture that is flamboyant, stands out,
well known within society and are easily recognisable. Examples of these are:
- Grudges
- Hippies
- Teddy boys
GRUNDGE
Time period mid 1980’s
Music Influenced by bands such as Nirvana and the music fused elements
of punk rock and heavy metal
Gender Mainly men but sometimes women too
Class Middle class
Fashion Laidback style, flannel, messy long hair, doc marten boots
Attitudes/views Talked about issues such as drug addiction, were against most of
society and expressed views of social alienation
HIPPIES
Time period mid 1960’S AND 70’S
Drugs Marijuana, LSD, mushroom
Gender Mainly women but men used to join in too
Class Middle class
Fashion Long hair, boot cut or loose trousers, printed tops
Attitudes/views They believed in eco-friendly things but also believed in peace
especially due to the Vietnam war
TEDDY BOYS
Time period mid 1950’s
Gender Mainly men
Class Middle class or upper class- those who had more affluence
Fashion Smart clothing, quiffs, shirts etc.
Attitudes/views Very racist, open, spoke out and there were no drugs involved
THEORIES OF SPECTACULAR YOUTH SUBCULTURE
