Adolescent Subculture Notes

Chapter 9: Adolescent Subculture

Summary

Adolescent subculture is a significant component of social culture, gaining attention due to the extended duration of education and the high development of technology and commercial culture. It has evolved into a distinctive subculture characterized by unique attitudes and behaviors. Although this subculture is exclusive to adolescents, its content is derived from the broader societal culture and is deeply connected to it. The basic types of adolescent subculture can be classified into commercial culture and adaptive culture. Its main functions include assisting in personality development, fostering social relationships, providing psychological comfort and support, and offering alternative means for disadvantaged groups to adapt to society.

Introduction

Adolescent subculture (also referred to as youth culture) is a compelling phenomenon within social culture, regardless of how the adult world perceives it. It adds to the diversity of social culture and is essential for countless adolescents' growth. As adolescents are influenced by these subcultures, they also contribute new life to them. The evolution of adolescent subculture is closely related to community cultural ecology and societal changes. After the mid-20th century, access to secondary and higher education has expanded, allowing more opportunities for social interaction and leisure time among youth. Consequently, adolescent subculture has become prevalent, symbolizing freedom and independent living.

The commodification of youth culture, particularly between the 1980s and early 2000s, significantly altered the landscape of adolescent subculture. The variety of early leisure tools and communication mediums that included tapes and radio has transformed into a plethora of digital communications, games, and music media. For instance, wearing a Walkman in various public spaces has become a fashionable aspect of youth culture.

Basic Concepts
Definition of Adolescence

Scholars define adolescence with varying perspectives. According to Professor Zhang Chunxing, adolescence is similar to puberty and refers to the early phase of youth development from puberty to physical and mental maturity. Generally, this includes ages from approximately 12 to 21 years, depending on gender. Developmental psychology emphasizes that adolescence is characterized by transitional changes in physical traits alongside social interactions with peers, which may produce contradictions in behavior.

Understanding Culture and Subculture

Culture is broadly defined as a composite whole, encompassing knowledge, beliefs, arts, morals, laws, customs, and other habits necessary for social individuals (Tylor, 1871). Subculture, however, refers to cultural variants within larger societal cultures characterized by their unique expressions of values, practices, and identifiers. Through various social institutions like family and schools, cultural values and expectations are conveyed to individuals, thereby shaping their group behaviors. Adolescent subculture arises as a response of smaller groupings within society (subgroups), influenced by demographics and social dynamics.

Adolescent Subculture

Adolescent subculture can be detailed as a unique cultural form representing the collective lifestyle of adolescents. Janssen et al. define it as the sum of adolescent lifestyles, including norms, values, and practical aspects shared within the social sphere of adolescent life.

Functions and Types

Adolescent subculture is complex and rich in meaning, exhibiting various characteristics and advancing through several types. Researchers have attempted to categorize its types, deriving from both positive and negative impacts, under four main categories:

  1. Respectable Youth: Students not adopting typical youth cultural traits (considered role models by educators).

  2. Delinquent Youth: Mainly focusing on labor-class youth exhibiting problematic behavior such as theft or violence.

  3. Cultural Rebels: Middle-class youth adopting distinct styles and tastes, indicative of rebellion against societal norms.

  4. Politically Militant Youth: Youths engaged in activism regarding various issues ranging from environmental concerns to community activism.

The functions of adolescent subculture generally revolve around helping adolescents develop independence, establish social networks, and find psychological support through communal engagement.

Theoretical Developments of Adolescent Subculture

Research on adolescent subculture originated from the Chicago School in the 20s and 30s, focusing primarily on deviant behavior associated with poverty. Subsequently, British academics emphasized class dynamics within youth subcultures. The expansion of popular and mass culture led to investigations beyond mere classes, focusing on homogenized cultural phenomena across societal divisions.

Addressing Issues Associated with Adolescent Subculture

Despite its vibrant inner workings, adolescent subculture often faces scrutiny for having negative connotations linked with substance use and deviance. Many adults perceive youth behaviors as a threat to societal norms, leading to discourse around the need for understanding rather than condemnation.

Conclusion

In summary, adolescent subculture is indeed a dynamic aspect of social life, reflecting both the pressures and freedoms experienced in youth. Educators and society at large are urged to not only recognize but also understand the cultural insights that adolescent subcultures bring, approaching it as an opportunity for engagement and educational enrichment rather than conflict, thus fostering a constructive bridge between youth and adult cultures.