Youth Subcultures Flashcards
What is the functionalist theory on why youth subcultures are formed?
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 .
How do functionalists see youth?
Stage transitioning from childhood to adulthood
What does functionalist Parsons say about the emergence of youth?
Important stage where children become independent as they leave the security of the family.
Develop responsibilities
Who describes youth culture as a ‘rite of passage’
Parsons
How does Eisenstadt see youth culture as a way of bringing people together?
Youth provided shared norms and values among young people which creates this sense of belonging.
Why does Eisenstadt see youth as a period of rebellion?
Children learn what is acceptable in society through pushing the boundaries
‘let off steam’
What does Abrams say about youth culture and the media?
Youth culture was created by the media - targeted by the media for capitalism
How has the functionalist view been criticised?
Too generalised
Evidence can be seen as ethnocentric - not representative of society
Other factors not included - Social Class, Gender, Ethnicity
What is the Marxist theory on why youth subcultures are formed?
Youth subcultures are formed as a result of resistance against the ruling class and poor economic situations - usually working class members
What does CCCS stand for?
Centre for Contemporary Studies
What was the CCCs?
A study based in Birmingham University - looked at subcultures in the 60s & 70s
Neo-Marxist approach
What did Neo-Marxists argue about working class and subcultures in the 60s & 70s?
The working class faced unemployment and racial tensions; This was a result from immigration
Example: Skinheads were seen as racist
How can the Marxist/Neo-Marxist view be criticised?
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
How do Feminists criticise the Marxist/Neo-Marxist approach to subcultures?
Argue that girls are ignored when looking into subcultures- CCCS study didn’t include female subcultures
What do Feminists argue about youth subcultures?
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
What do McRobbie and Garber argue about girls within subcultures?
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
What does McRobbie argue about ‘bedroom culture’?
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
Why are girls less likely to be included in research regarding subcultures?
Most researchers are male - they find it harder to relate to teenage girls
How is the Feminist view on youth subcultures criticised?
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
What is the Postmodernist view of youth subcultures?
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
What do postmodernists say about club cultures?
Among clubbers (Manchester) there were no clear gender/class differences
What postmodernist used the term neo-tribe instead of subculture and what did they argue about it?
Maffesoil: neo-tribes are more loosely organised with no fixed membership
Focus more on fashion/music
What postmodernist studies Newcastle clubs and what did they find?
Bennett: found that clubbing is multi dimensional
How are postmodernists criticised?
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
What is the New Right view on youth subcultures?
Argue youth subcultures are formed as a result of poor socialisation - don’t share the same value consensus
How do the ‘underclass’ relate to deviant youth subcultures?
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
