Cool Identity Construction in the Context of Young Funk Music Consumers

Abstract

Objective: This paper reports the results of a research that aimed to understand the articulation between sociocultural practices and symbolic processes in the construction of a cool identity by young people inserted in the funk environment. Method: Fieldwork focused on participant observation at funk events and dances and in-depth interviews with 3 MCs and 26 young people. To analyze the data, the content analysis methodology proposed by Bardin (1995) was used. Results: Among the results, it is noteworthy that, because funk is part of the daily lives of young people, their diverse experiences with funk enhance the creation of a cool identity that makes these individuals find a place in this universe of signs and meanings. Originality: The article discusses the concept of cool identity in order to understand the (re)construction of the identity of a group of urban young people supported by and in consumption.