Research - Hebdige's Subcultures

Subcultures are groups of people who are united through common value systems and tastes (clothes, music, politics, etc) and are also seen as a group of people who are positioned outside of the mainstream culture.

Conformity and Rebellion are not liked by subcultures, they like to rebel against common values and systems.

Attitude to Capitalism and Communism is only followed by subcultures in the communism values. They have their own set of rules and behaviour conduct. They consume their own lifestyle.

Rivalry between subcultures is expected, they don’t like mixing. They traditionally have stereotypes to groups they don’t like.

Traditional Ideas are made within their subcultures. They make beliefs which make them live their own lives in their own way. Do not take upon ‘Neophyte’ ideas.

Music Interest is very unique as they only listen to Niche genres.

For example;

Punks have their own genre of music which complement their style of living. They wear leather jackets, boots, studded clothing and usually have crazy hair and sometimes crazy make up. They neglect mainstream ideas as they don’t match up to their interests.

Teddy boys like to listen to the genre Scar (white reggae music). They believe in the bourgeoisie and have a very smart appearance, which contradicts the fact they are working class citizens. Teddy boys came around in the 1960’s as a threat to society as they were lost, angry boys who were extremely violent, dominantly white young boys. They aren’t around anymore due to new subcultures forming and their lifestyle dying out.

Bikers consists of white old men who are extremely violent and racist. Their hobbies are simply riding motorbikes all day and they are pretty loud, intimidating people. They listen to rock music to symbolise anger which they have in them a lot. They wear denim clothing as well.

Queers are very happy, mellow people who listen to niche music which keeps them in a happy place. They are usually homosexual and rebel against social norm, as well as coming across as quite flamboyant. They believe in happiness and Freedom.

McCracken said that the postmodern world is full of diversity, dynamism and creativity. He said that if we look at the array of values and the ideologies, then we can’t say all subcultures come from one culture.

Birmingham School assume that all subcultures come from one culture (reaction and rejection to mainstream culture) which goes against what McCracken said.

Hebdige said that although some people think subcultures appear to be different, deep down they are the same. He said that ‘Subcultures’ are ‘Little Cultures’, as they are all doing the same thing of resistance. They also say we are all active consumers. Active process, different audiences read the same cultural product. This allows us to resist mainstream and this becomes a sub culture.

Current Day in Relation to Hebdige

Hebdige's theory can still be seen in the public as clear subcultures are seen and will stick in society. However, some subcultures died out, such as; Teddy boys.

Who are you targeting your music video towards? Are they a Subculture? Yes/No? Why?

I dont want to aim my music video at a subculture as my idea doesn't apply to any specific subculture, it can relate to a lot of different audiences with themes such as love and violence. I believe any type of audience can watch it and engage into the events of my music video. Serious events in music videos can reach out to any audience.