Subculture: The Meaning of Style
Subculture: The Meaning of Style is a 1979 book by
Influences
Hebdige studied under
Summary
In Subculture: The Meaning of Style, Hebdige argues that the styles of Britain's postwar working-class youth subcultures challenge dominant
Hebdige argues that all subcultures experience the same trajectory. In this model, subcultures initially form through a common resistance. The dominant society often sees these groups as radical, leading to fear, skepticism, and anxiety in their response. In some ways, this gives the subculture's resistance more power but only momentarily, because eventually
Response and criticism
While Hebdige's Subculture: The Meaning of Style is viewed in cultural studies as one of the most influential theories and analyses of youth subcultures,[4] there are many who found the book lacking. Hebdige's theory has, nonetheless, been upheld within the field. Many scholars have applied Hebdige's model of subculture to other subcultures not identified in his book. For instance, Agnes Jasper uses Hebdige to explore the Dutch Gothic subculture.[6] Sunaina Maira applies Hebdige's model to Indian-American youth subculture.[7]
Critiques include:
- The theory does not translate well to American subcultures because the class consciousness does not work the same way.[4]
- Hebdige places too much emphasis on the symbolic meaning of style, thereby overlooking other aspects of youth rebellion.[4]
- The theory overlooks the variety of efforts outside of style in which subcultures engage.[4]
- The book relies on a thorough knowledge of Britain's youth cultures that some readers may not have.[3]
- Some passages are vague, lacking focus, which hurts Hebdige's argument.[3]
- Hebdige's methodology and basis for his interpretations lacks sufficient scholarly research.[3]
- Hebdige does not attempt to explain why style is the form in which resistance and subversion manifests.[3]
- Hebdige idealizes the punk subculture.[2]
- The book lacks sufficient discussion on the definition and significance of sexuality in relation to punks.[2]
- The book only begins to resolve the relationships between sociology and semiotics, and style and subculture.[2]
References
- ^ ISBN 0415039495.
- ^ JSTOR 2067284.
- ^ JSTOR 2779397.
- ^ JSTOR 40643156.
- ^ ISBN 9780801880100. Retrieved 30 October 2012.
- JSTOR 25758070.
- JSTOR 656528.