Youth Subcultures

Question 1

What is the functionalist theory on why youth subcultures are formed?

Answer 1

Individuals must feel integrated in society so they feel a sense of belonging - if people don’t feel integrated they will be isolated with no sense of belonging.
Therefore subcultures are formed as a result of this .

Question 2

How do functionalists see youth?

Answer 2

Stage transitioning from childhood to adulthood

Question 3

What does functionalist Parsons say about the emergence of youth?

Answer 3

Important stage where children become independent as they leave the security of the family.
Develop responsibilities

Question 4

Who describes youth culture as a ‘rite of passage’

Answer 4

Parsons

Question 5

How does Eisenstadt see youth culture as a way of bringing people together?

Answer 5

Youth provided shared norms and values among young people which creates this sense of belonging.

Question 6

Why does Eisenstadt see youth as a period of rebellion?

Answer 6

Children learn what is acceptable in society through pushing the boundaries
‘let off steam’

Question 7

What does Abrams say about youth culture and the media?

Answer 7

Youth culture was created by the media - targeted by the media for capitalism

Question 8

How has the functionalist view been criticised?

Answer 8

Too generalised
Evidence can be seen as ethnocentric - not representative of society
Other factors not included - Social Class, Gender, Ethnicity

Question 9

What is the Marxist theory on why youth subcultures are formed?

Answer 9

Youth subcultures are formed as a result of resistance against the ruling class and poor economic situations - usually working class members

Question 10

What does CCCS stand for?

Answer 10

Centre for Contemporary Studies

Question 11

What was the CCCs?

Answer 11

A study based in Birmingham University - looked at subcultures in the 60s & 70s
Neo-Marxist approach

Question 12

What did Neo-Marxists argue about working class and subcultures in the 60s & 70s?

Answer 12

The working class faced unemployment and racial tensions; This was a result from immigration

Example: Skinheads were seen as racist

Question 13

How can the Marxist/Neo-Marxist view be criticised?

Answer 13

Middle class also have subcultures - eg hippies

Argued that Marxists chose subcultures to fit their findings

Argued the majority of youths are actually not in subcultures

Question 14

How do Feminists criticise the Marxist/Neo-Marxist approach to subcultures?

Answer 14

Argue that girls are ignored when looking into subcultures- CCCS study didn’t include female subcultures

Question 15

What do Feminists argue about youth subcultures?

Answer 15

Argue that females aren’t included in youth subcultures but when they do appear in research, stereotypical views are reinforced

Girls often regarded as passive

Question 16

What do McRobbie and Garber argue about girls within subcultures?

Answer 16

Argue girls are absent from most research on youth subcultures - known as ‘invisible girls’

The place of young women within subcultures reflects their general position in society - links to patriarchy

Question 17

What does McRobbie argue about ‘bedroom culture’?

Answer 17

Argued girls have a subculture of their own - girl friendship groups are often very close

Subculture is found in their bedrooms not in the streets or parks like boys - less visible

Question 18

Why are girls less likely to be included in research regarding subcultures?

Answer 18

Most researchers are male - they find it harder to relate to teenage girls

Question 19

How is the Feminist view on youth subcultures criticised?

Answer 19

Postmodernists: Gender now seen as less significant today
Many subcultures don’t have clear gender distinctions

Reddington - active participation of females in subcultures has been ignored, for example punks

Question 20

What is the Postmodernist view of youth subcultures?

Answer 20

Argue that youth subcultures are no longer relevant in today’s society.

Suggest youth styles have become increasingly fragmented and diverse

Youth styles are now fluid

Question 21

What do postmodernists say about club cultures?

Answer 21

Among clubbers (Manchester) there were no clear gender/class differences

Question 22

What postmodernist used the term neo-tribe instead of subculture and what did they argue about it?

Answer 22

Maffesoil: neo-tribes are more loosely organised with no fixed membership

Focus more on fashion/music

Question 23

What postmodernist studies Newcastle clubs and what did they find?

Answer 23

Bennett: found that clubbing is multi dimensional

Question 24

How are postmodernists criticised?

Answer 24

Fluidity for the young is not very reflective as there are still ethnic/gender divides

Some youth subcultures are very distinct (music/fashion)- not available to all

Question 25

What is the New Right view on youth subcultures?

Answer 25

Argue youth subcultures are formed as a result of poor socialisation - don’t share the same value consensus

Question 26

How do the ‘underclass’ relate to deviant youth subcultures?

Answer 26

Youth join groups such as anti-school subcultures as they do not share the same norms and values as the rest in society

Dependant on welfare system as see this as an acceptable lifestyle - not hardworking