Constraints

Abstract

Abstract Subcultural theorists (Hall and Jefferson 1976) took for granted young people’s ability to choose what to do in their leisure time, and thus merely addressed the question of how their choices should be interpreted. In contrast, Frith (1983) argued that different leisure patterns are a reflection, not so much of different values, as of the different degrees of opportunity, restriction, and constraint that are afforded to different individuals and social groups. A particular leisure pursuit may be made easy or difficult for an individual according to their social structural position, gender (along with class, ‘race’, etc.) being one aspect of such societal location. Frith’s argument was that, for everyone, leisure, consumption, and style involve a relationship between choice and constraint. I wish to argue that such constraints are crucial to the explanation of women’s absence from rock. I shall be considering the degree to which gender operates within the different social classes. One thing which stands out, however, is the extent to which girls and young women in all social classes and ethnic groups are restricted in their leisure pursuits compared to boys/young men. It is important to note that there are both material and ideological constraints in operation. In reality, of course, these two are closely interrelated. (For instance, lack of access to equipment is an important material constraint, but one of the reasons for its denial is ideological.) However, for the sake of analytical clarity I shall endeavour to separate them.