This paper works with the underlying assumptions of Dick Hebdige’s study of subculteres. Here, the word subculture is used synonymously to youth culture, which is a contrast to Stefanie Grimm’s Die Repräsentation von Männlichkeit im Punk und Rap, where she defines subculture as a necessary step for groups that are rejected by the mainstream and thus have to find their semi-invisible niche. She specifically names the gay culture. Youth cultures, Grimm writes, are at the border of subcultures and popular culture.1 But since youth cultures are as much a mystery to mainstream society as for example the gay culture, I choose not to make a difference between the words.
After a short introduction to the theory of subcultures and especially theory in punk and hardcore, this paper aims to discuss the youth cultures’ similarities and differences, the reasons for changes and continuity in the scene, and the relation to politics. Sources cited will include academic texts, popular texts like Andy Greenwald’s book Nothing Feels Good. Punk Rock, Teenagers, and Emo, as well as original voices from the scene, for example collected in interviews by Beth Lahicky for her book All Ages. Reflections on Straight Edge. As music is the starting point of all discussed youth cultures, there will also be comment on exemplary lyrics.
Most of the last chapter on the latest form of punk rock, emo, will be in interview style. To date there is one book written on emo. The author Andy Greenwald offers his readers an online messageboard to discuss his work, emo and everything related to it. He actively participates in the discussion and was so kind to answer my questions.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Theory of Subcultures
- Theory in Punk Rock
- Theory in Hardcore
- Punk and the Reagan Administration/ Conservative Politics
- From Punk to Hardcore
- Straight Edge
- Emo/ Emocore
- Online Interview with Andy Greenwald, Author of Nothing Feels Good
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper explores the punk and hardcore youth subcultures in the USA, drawing upon the theoretical framework of Dick Hebdige's work on subcultures. The paper aims to discuss similarities and differences between these youth cultures, explore the reasons for changes and continuity in the scene, and analyze their relationship to politics.
- The influence of Dick Hebdige's theory on understanding punk and hardcore subcultures.
- The evolution of punk and hardcore music and the emergence of subgenres.
- The relationship between punk and hardcore youth cultures and political contexts, particularly during the Reagan era.
- The significance of music in defining and expressing these youth subcultures.
- The impact of social and cultural factors on the development and expression of these subcultures.
Chapter Summaries
- Introduction: This chapter provides an overview of the paper's scope and methodology, defining key terms and highlighting the importance of music in understanding these youth cultures.
- Theory of Subcultures: This chapter examines the theoretical framework for understanding subcultures, focusing on the work of Greil Marcus and Dick Hebdige. It discusses how their theories apply to both punk and hardcore scenes.
- Punk and the Reagan Administration/ Conservative Politics: This chapter explores the relationship between punk subculture and the political climate during the Reagan era. It highlights the subculture's opposition to Reagan's policies and the impact of political pressures on the scene.
- From Punk to Hardcore: This chapter traces the evolution of punk into hardcore, exploring the musical, social, and cultural factors driving this transformation. It examines the emergence of hardcore as a distinct subculture with its own values and practices.
- Straight Edge: This chapter delves into the Straight Edge movement, a subculture within hardcore that emphasizes clean living and abstinence. It discusses the philosophical and cultural significance of Straight Edge.
- Emo/Emocore: This chapter examines the emergence of emo and emocore as subgenres of punk and hardcore. It analyzes the musical characteristics, cultural influences, and social context of this subculture.
Keywords
The key concepts explored in this paper include punk, hardcore, youth subculture, music, social change, political context, identity, style, and cultural resistance. The analysis draws upon the theoretical perspectives of Greil Marcus and Dick Hebdige, examining the impact of social and political factors on the development and expression of these subcultures.
- Citar trabajo
- Beate Gansauge (Autor), 2005, The Punk and Hardcore Youth Subcultures in the USA Since the 1980s, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/53776
