Introduction

This essay will assess the view that youth subcultures are related to conflict. It will explore the Marxist/Neo-Marxist perspective, which argues that subcultures are a form of resistance to capitalist society. It will also consider the work of the Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies (CCCS), which focused on the symbolic and aesthetic aspects of subcultures, and how they can be seen as expressions of rebellion.

AO1: Knowledge and Understanding

Marxist/Neo-Marxist View

Marxist and Neo-Marxist theories argue that youth subcultures arise as a form of resistance to the dominant class and its values. They see subcultures as a way for young people to express their frustration with their lack of power and control in a capitalist society. Subcultures can be seen as a form of "symbolic defiance"

Resistance and Rebellion

Some subcultures are seen as explicitly rebellious, such as the punks and skinheads of the 1970s. These groups challenged the norms of mainstream society through their clothing, music, and behaviour. They often expressed anger towards the established order and sought to create their own alternative ways of life.

Spectacular Subcultures

The CCCS, led by sociologists like Dick Hebdige, focused on the "spectacular" nature of subcultures. They argued that subcultures used style as a form of resistance, creating a distinct visual identity. This was a way for young people to express their difference from mainstream society and to challenge established norms.

Examples of Youth Subcultures

Examples of youth subcultures that reflect conflict include:

• **Punks:** Challenged the consumerism and conformity of mainstream society.
• **Skinheads:** A working-class subculture with a focus on masculinity and resistance to immigration.
• **Teddy Boys:** A post-war subculture that challenged the values of the older generation.

Generational Conflict

Youth subcultures often represent a form of generational conflict, a clash between the values and attitudes of young people and those of their parents. This conflict can be rooted in different experiences, lifestyles, and expectations.

AO2: Application

Applying the Marxist/Neo-Marxist perspective to the example of punk subculture, we can see how their rebellious style and music, which often critiqued the system and celebrated anarchy, were a form of resistance against the perceived injustices of capitalist society. Punks challenged the dominant culture's emphasis on consumerism, conformity, and authority.

The CCCS's work on subcultures highlights how style and aesthetics can be used as a form of resistance. The punks' distinctive clothing, hairstyles, and music were a way of rejecting mainstream fashion and creating a visual identity that challenged the norms of the time.

AO3: Analysis and Evaluation

Postmodernism

Postmodern theorists argue that the concept of youth subcultures is outdated, as young people no longer conform to the rigid categories of earlier subcultures. They see contemporary youth as more fluid and diverse, forming "neo-tribes" based on shared interests and styles, rather than fixed identities.

Postmodernism also challenges the notion that youth subcultures are driven by conflict. They argue that subcultures are largely about style and identity, and that the focus on conflict is overly simplistic.

Conclusion

While there is evidence that youth subcultures can be related to conflict, particularly in the context of resistance to the dominant culture and generational conflict, the postmodern perspective raises important questions. The fluidity and diverse nature of contemporary youth, and their use of style and identity for expression, suggest that conflict may not be the primary defining feature of youth subcultures as they evolve. It is important to acknowledge that, within the context of globalisation and the internet, the nature of youth subcultures continues to be a subject of ongoing debate and change.