Postmodernism

What do postmodernists say about youth subcultures today?

• youth subcultures are no longer relevant - they are fragmented, diverse, and fluid

• no longer based on class, gender, or ethnicity

What did Hebdige (1988) say about modern subcultures?

• he argued that the media has absorbed rebellious elements of subcultures like punk, making them meaningless and more about style than resistance

What did Willis (1990) say about spectacular subcultures?

• spectacular subcultures (e.g. mods/punks) are gone

• youth now use symbolic creativity by mixing symbols from music, films, and fashion

What did Thornton (1995) say about club culture?

• club culture is androgynous and not based on class, gender, or ethnicity

• It is temporary, not a unified or resistant group

What are "neo tribes" according to Bennett (1999)?

• loose, temporary groups that people can move in and out of, based on style and choice

What is the 'supermarket of style' according to Polhemus (1997)?

• young people pick and mix from a wide range of styles, music, and identities to create their own unique look—like a supermarket of culture.

What are hybrid subcultures?

• when youth blend elements of different cultures to form a new style or identity

What did Luke & Luke (2000) find about hybrid subcultures?

• young people blend cultures to create new hybrid subcultures, often mixing global and local influences

How did Gilroy (1987) explain hybrid subcultures?

• through diaspora (movement of people worldwide), subcultures have become flexible and take in global influences

How did Cashmore (1997) apply Gilroy’s ideas?

• he showed that gangsta rap has taken in influences from around the world, showing global blending of culture.

How do critics say style is still linked to identity?

• style still connects to class, gender, and ethnicity

• e.g. men usually don’t wear skirts, and Rastafarians often have dreadlocks

What is the criticism about fluid youth identities?

• critics say that the idea of youth moving between neo-tribes is exaggerated.

• e.g. most don’t switch from being a goth to a raver

What did Wood (2003) say about modern subcultures?

• studied the Straightedge group and found they still have strong beliefs, styles, and behaviours, showing clear subcultural identity

What did Muggleton (2000) say about subcultures?

• he rejected extreme postmodern views

• youth still feel attached to subcultures, but the boundaries between them are less clear.