Toward a theory of subcultural mosaic

Fragmentation into and within subcultures

Bibliographic Data

ID12698591
AuthorsEmre Ulusoy (Youngstown State University, corresponding author), Fuat Fırat (The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley), Fuat A Fırat (University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, USA)
Year2016
Volume18
Issue1
Pages21-42
Publication date2016-09-15
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Consumer Culture (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1469-5405 • E-ISSN: 1741-2900
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/1469540516668225
OpenAlexW2519341096
LanguageEN
Citations received10
References cited62

We present an integrated and more nuanced analysis of the observed tendency toward eclectic, fragmented, and paradoxical subcultures in contemporary society. Through a critical ethnographic approach, we investigate the factors contributing to the motives that impel people to seek subcultural membership, which leads to fragmentation. We interview people who are avid participants of music-based subcultures. Findings reveal that subcultural antagonism and identity politics are the two factors guiding fragmentation into subcultures in contemporary society. People seek solace in membership in multiple subcultures since each subculture provides a distinct escape from different oppressions perceived in the mainstream. This cultivates the impetus for fragmentation within subcultures. Subcultural fragmentation is voluntary, resistive, and subversive. The constant fragmentation and the multiplicity and fluidity of subcultural memberships give rise to what we call a radical subcultural mosaic referring to eclectic subcultural affiliation and composite subcultural memberships fermenting presentational discourses of resistance. Members of the radical subcultural mosaic seek agency and collectivity, creativity in heterogeneity, and propose novel alternative modes of living

Agency (philosophy · Ethnography · Fragmentation (computing · Mainstream · Media studies · Political science · Politics · Social science · Sociology · Subculture (biology · Anthropology · Digital Communication and Language · Gender Studies · Law · Music History and Culture · Social and Cultural Dynamics

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