Youth Subcultures Research Articles

The Chinese Online Youth Subculture of the "Electronic Wooden Fish" A "Lying Flat" or A "Self-salvation ?"

Abstract: With the rapid development of the Internet, many products have undergone digitalization. The electronic wooden fish, for example, represents a virtual rendition of a religious instrument. In contemporary times, many Chinese youths encounter difficulties in coping with the intense competition prevalent in school entrance examinations and job markets. Also, their limited social recognition inhibits them from fully expressing their opinions in reality. Consequently, resorting to the electronic wooden fish serves as an outlet for these individuals. The youth tend to use the Internet as a means to alleviate stress, thereby giving rise to an online subculture among them. This article delves into the causes and effects of knocking on the virtual wooden fish. By collecting data from three social media platforms in China and conducting thorough analysis, it concludes by identifying three motivations behind knocking on the electronic wooden fish: seeking spiritual merits, relaxation purposes, and sharing experiences with others. These incentives can be explained through various aspects such as cultural symbolism within Chinas context, serving as a tool for decompression, and contributing to self-identity formation among users. Ultimately, this article argues that embracing the subculture surrounding Electronic wooden fish signifies Chinese youths pursuit of self-salvation, rather than lying flat.

Comparison of Scheduled Caste Youth Lifestyles and Those of Other Castes in Tamil Nadu: Youth Subculture and Identity

Social institutions and structures are crucial in shaping individual personalities and facilitating transitions, but systemic barriers can hinder youth’s smooth transition to adulthood and participation in society. When a transition fails, an identity crisis occurs and develops identity confusion as a result they will not have a clear sense of their role in society. No research has been done on the identity problems and transition challenges faced by Scheduled Caste Youth in Tamil Nadu, India. Therefore, a study was conducted to investigate how rural youth in Tamil Nadu are influenced by socio-economic, political and cultural factors in forming their identity. Qualitative research techniques like case studies and focus group discussions were employed to examine the perspectives of youth from Katchipattu and Pattunool Chatram villages in Tamil Nadu. The results of the study highlight the significance of sub-cultural context, caste system and social exclusion in shaping youth attitudes and behaviours.

Dimensional Interaction, Intimacy Building: Roles of Perceived Intimacy and Parasocial Effects on Fans Relations with Virtual Idols

Abstract: The appearance of virtual idols has introduced discussions about the connection with fans, even though their idols are always disembodied and fictitious. To some degree, the theory of parasocial interaction can have academic value in the virtual characters, extending beyond the impact on the real stars and fans. This study emphasizes particularly on exploring the role of intimacy in the parasocial relationship, which contains the perspective of fan psychology and youth subculture. By exerting structured interview, the survey collects records from 7 college students who are fans of popular virtual idols including A-SOUL, Luxiem, LASER, etc. The results provide insights into how fans perceive the presence of intimacy and what factors influence the levels of intimacy based on the behaviors of online media usage. Compared with the real idols and life, there are some findings showcasing characteristics of virtual idol-fan intimacy when fans have developed the parasocial interaction.

Literary Representations of Non-heteronormative and Trans People in Polish Young Adult (YA) Literature: the example of Natalia Osińska’s trilogy and Anouk Herman’s novel Nigdy nie będziesz szło samo

The author focuses on literary representations of LGBT+ youth in Polish novels classified as Young Adult Literature (YAL). They use a three-part framework created by Michael Cart and Christine A. Jenkins to analyse books viewed as emblematic for Polish queer YAL: Natalia Osińska’s trilogy (Fanfik 2016, Slash 2017, Fluff 2019) and Anouk Herman’s novel Nigdy nie będziesz szło samo [You’ll Never Walk Alone, 2023]. When describing literary representations of coming out and queer youth subcultures, the author draws attention to the multidimensionality of the identities of the characters in this type of literary work. They are presented not only in the context of their gender identity and sexual orientation, but also through the prism of their economic situation and place of birth. The queerness of the characters is not limited to issues of gender and sexuality, but also involves challenging the norm of neurotypicality. According to the author, the novels analysed represent an interesting cultural representation of the Polish community of young people who identify as gay, lesbian, transgender and non-binary, as well as their allies (parents, friends).

Видовое разнообразие делинквентных молодежных субкультур в современной России: опыт теоретического исследования

Social disorganization triggers the development of subcultures, both positive and negative. As part of innovative adaptation, a person or a group may update certain sets of values, thus offering an alternative solution to some existing contradictions. Destructive socio-cultural associations, on the contrary, revise and oppose the generally recognized and accepted values, which leads to protest activity and what Peter Berger defined as anti-societies. The article describes the current diversity of delinquent youth subcultures in Russia and their development. The author designed a typology based on sociological interpretation, affiliations, and risks: 1) subcultures with career prospects; 2) subcultures of antisocial leisure activities; 3) subcultures that imitate certain totalitarian organizations; 4) subcultures of escapism; 5) subcultures of gender orientation; 6) street subcultures; 7) school-shooting subcultures. This classification takes into account those aspects of social life that deserve special scientific attention. Each subcultural community requires a special interdisciplinary approach that would consider its socio-cultural and legal adaptation mechanisms, causes, and online and offline functioning.

Assessment of social and personal manifestations of adolescents interested in youth subculture

Introduction. The problem of the study is related to the idea of peculiarities of socialization as the formation of adolescents’ personality. The solution to this problem is necessary to prevent the negative impact of the subculture on the personality of the adolescent in the learning environment. According to the age specificity, an adolescent pays special attention to the reaction of their peers. Having identified themselves as members of social groups, adolescents put this identification into the scheme of self-awareness and begin to ‘bring’ themselves into ‘conformity with the group’. Deep and long involvement in the informal movement determines the interiorization of the group’s value system and changes in the adolescent’s worldview. In this regard, the purpose of this study is to identify social and personal manifestations of adolescents who are interested in youth subculture. Materials and Methods. The study follows personality-oriented and cognitive approaches. In order to achieve the goal of the study, the authors used theoretical (analysis, generalization, systematization) and empirical (testing, conversations, questionnaires, expert assessments) methods. The sample included 85 Year 10 students of secondary educational institutions in the Krasnodar Territory (Russia). Results. The article presents a theoretical analysis of approaches to the problem of studying social and personal characteristics of adolescents included in youth subcultures. The data obtained indicate personality traits and social status that determine the enthusiasm for certain subcultures. In particular, adolescents interested in youth subcultures demonstrated the following problems: dissatisfaction with social status, communication problems, adequacy/inadequacy of self-esteem, search for thrills, influence of friends, and insufficient knowledge about the content and features of the influence of youth subculture. Conclusions. Based on the theoretical analysis of scholarly literature on the problem of the research, it was found that the adolescent’s inclusion in an informal association is determined by social and personal characteristics. Adolescents who are interested in youth subcultures demonstrated the following common characteristics: the need for a higher status in the students’ group, peer approval, unstable self-esteem, etc. Understanding the characteristics of adolescents contributes to fostering an adequate personality formation and determines the content of the prevention measures aimed at eliminating negative influences of informal associations.

XORIJIY MAMLAKATLARDA YOSHLAR SUBMADANIYATI BILAN PEDAGOGIK ISH OLIB BORISHNING ASOSIY YO‘NALISHLARI

The article analyzes the scientific basis of the fact that socio-pedagogical work with representatives of youth subcultures in foreign practice is specialized, their activities are aimed at preventing anti-social behavior and encouraging positive creativity.

Функции и дисфункции правовой культуры в цифровом измерении

The article formulates and proposes for discussion three main directions of state policy aimed at enhancing legal culture among youth and overcoming its dysfunctions: 1) protecting Russian traditional values from digital informational-ideological and propagandistic attacks; 2) fostering legal culture among migrant youth; 3) implementing systemic policies to strengthen and protect traditional values through legal culture education across all societal levels. The dichotomy between digital and analog legal understanding within youth subcultures is addressed. Six functions of legal culture are formulated to develop effective measures of state policy aimed at shaping youth legal consciousness. The process is noted to be associated with preserving and promoting traditional values in society, both Russian and transnational, universal values; with the assimilation of cultural paradigms and language by young migrants; with their compliance with the legislative requirements for adaptation and socialization in Russia, and with societal consolidation.

Opposition Attitudes of the Youth in the Polish People’s Republic

The main aim of this article is to discuss the opposition attitudes of the young people in the Polish People’s Republic (PRL). It is not a regular narrative. It is rather a review of selected phenomena, presented in several interlinked essays. The youth subcultures, underground organizations, some opposition attitudes (resistance, dissent and political opposition) and young people’s answer to the proposition of the Catholic Church were analysed in that work. Those attitudes were determined by the political, social and economic circumstances in the years 1945-1989, especially the lack of freedom of legal action outside of rulers’ control, the degree of integration within the regime and the relations of domination and subordination, as well as the associated with them level of frustration.

The Phenomenon of Contemporary Youth's "Bai Lan": Cultural Construction and Media Communication

As a new variant of youth subculture, "Bai Lan" reflects the youth's stance expression and value orientation in the Internet era. Through network ethnographic analysis and semi-structured interview, this paper systematically sorts out the cultural characteristics, evolution process and complex motives of the phenomenon, and makes an in-depth analysis of the unintended consequences brought by the phenomenon in the process of dissemination, forming three research findings: First, the phenomenon is a cultural product formed by young people who weaken their identity and deconstruct traditional values under their own development difficulties; Second, the generation, expression and dissemination of "Bai Lan" culture are interactive processes between individual youth, groups and network media; Third, youth "Bai Lan" is a kind of strategic behavior, whose subjective motives can be divided into emotions and pressure vent, self-protection and self-benefit maximization. In the process of "Bai Lan", negative language framework and media distorted narrative are likely to cause objective adverse effects on youth's cognitive orientation and behavior choice.

Ambivalence of kawaii as a phenomenon of modern aesthetics in Japan

The author analyzes various aspects of the modern popular culture of kawaii. The connection between sweetness and the terrible in kawaii aesthetics is clarified. It is emphasized that the roots of kawaii go back to the Japanese culture of the past and today's total spread of the cute in Japanese everyday life is reflected in politics, government, business, the military complex, art, influencing all spheres of society and manifesting itself as a key component of the national identity of the Japanese. Attention is focused on the aesthetic category of yami-kawaii. Creepy kawaii understands the works of Japanese artists and the youth subculture. The connection of kawaii and yami-kawaii is shown. The subject of the study is the images of Japanese artists of the XX – XXI centuries. A characteristic feature of the art of which is the excessive depiction of the cute, indicating a connection with modernity. Comparative historical and iconographic research methods based on cultural, philosophical, and art historical scientific materials were used. The relevance of the topic is due to the need to explore new trends in art, with the need to rethink classical, aesthetic categories, in connection with the catastrophes of the XX – XXI centuries, which changed European culture and left an indelible mark on Japanese culture. The novelty of the research lies in an attempt to analyze the phenomenon of kawaii in a dual aspect: kawaii of the sweet and kawaii of the terrible in the art of Japanese artists, based on the phenomenon of fear as the driving force of yami-kawaii, as well as using the aesthetic category of "kawaii" as an all-pervading characteristic of mass culture. The yami-kawaii style is an independent aesthetic category, widespread by the youth subculture. The popularity of the "sick" kawaii as a crude grim reality is applied in the marketing of the industrial industry. Infantilism manifests itself as a defense, a psychological barrier in search of support and sympathy. The aesthetics of kawaii mildness acts as one side of the coin, the other is the internal conflict of society – fear, helplessness, depression. The yami-kawaii subculture is an expression of the aesthetic phenomenon of suffering and fear.

Notting Hill Carnival and Rock Against Racism: converging cultures of resistance during late 1970s Britain

ABSTRACT The Notting Hill Carnival and Rock Against Racism were two of the most significant cultural and political movements of the mid-to-late 1970s. While the two movements had numerous contact points, academia has hitherto viewed them in isolation. In contrast, this article examines three areas of convergence that Rock Against Racism held with the Notting Hill Carnival to assess whether their connectedness advanced the struggle against racism in Britain. The first point of convergence relates to how the two cultural forms interlaced politics and culture in response to a racially charged hostile environment in the mid-1970s. Secondly, contesting social space became a central tactic of the respective movements’ cultural and political interventions. Finally, in responding to the challenges of incorporating and representing young people, the two movements became platforms which engendered cross-pollination between black and white youth subcultures, strengthening antiracist solidarity. The article utilises data from qualitative interviews and archival research.

Antidote or poison: The relationship between "lying flat" tendency and mental health.

Although "lying flat" has become a new youth subculture phenomenon, it is unclear whether "lying flat" is an antidote or a poison for the youth's mental health. Here, we explored the effect of "lying flat" tendency on mental health using the cross-sectional (Study 1a) and longitudinal designs (Study 1b) as well as the intervention design (Study 2). In Study 1a, we found that the youth's "lying flat" tendency was negatively correlated with their mental health. Importantly, cross-lagged analyses (Study 1b) found that "lying flat" tendency negatively predicted mental health 1 month later, suggesting the temporal directionality between "lying flat" tendency and mental health. In Study 2, we sought to examine whether a longitudinal video intervention could promote the youth's mental health by reducing "lying flat" tendency. The results showed that the eight-day inspirational video intervention significantly reduced the youth's "lying flat" tendency and promoted their mental health. Importantly, "lying flat" tendency mediated the relationship between the inspirational video intervention and mental health. Our study is the first to demonstrate the negatively predictive effect of the "lying flat" tendency on the youth's mental health and provides an economical, convenient, and effective intervention aimed at reducing the "lying flat" tendency to promote the youth's mental health.

Research on the Issue of Chinese Youth Subculture Group in the Phenomenon of “Economic Fever”

以中国青年亚文化群体为研究对象，通过对同人文化、弹幕文化、粉丝文化等为代表的新型文化现象进行透析，对当代中国青年亚文化的社会症候及问题进行审视，在以IP为内核驱动的文化产业发展基础上，鼓励文化多样性的创新发展，秉持社会健康积极的文化导向。

Peppa Pig: Experience Evolution and User Migration in Multi-industry Creative Consumption

The core IP image of the British animated film Peppa Pig, "Peppa", has seen an all-media explosion and multi-industry IP consumption since 2018, while transforming from a "child Peppa" to a "social person" symbol, becoming a youth subculture phenomenon worthy of attention. By combing through the rewriting or hype of Peppa as a cultural symbol in various media communication, we analyze the experience flow of cultural symbols behind Peppa culture in the communication process, as well as the phenomenon of user migration in multiple industries, and reflect on the creative consumption under the development trend of "new culture and creativity". Using Peppa Pig as a typical case of digital creativity, we propose the logic of user experience construction under two perspectives: product business line and user emotional engagement line. The cultural interpretation of Peppa by different user groups in different industries also inevitably leads to the alienation of Peppa, and Peppa with many different roles is typical. This also demonstrates the trend and crisis of creative IP in the development process: the synergistic evolution of digital creativity in multiple industries and the over-emphasis on experience consumption after the combination of the experience economy and the characteristics of the digital age may lead to creative misconception.

The Halal Way of Clubbing: A Study of Second-Generation Muslim Youth’s Resistance and the Subculture It Has Generated

This study examined two second-generation Muslim youth clubs in the city of Ottawa. First-generation mosques and community centres have ample space for youth. Still, as a form of defiance against their parents, these youth have created youth clubs outside of Ottawa’s residential areas. The clubs had devised an original form of ‘fun’ for themselves, which, despite being ‘halal’, was not approved by their parents and thus represented a form of resistance against them. These youth clubs have exacerbated tensions within the Muslim community in Canada. This article contends that a Muslim youth subculture is emerging among second-generation immigrants, which is consistent with aspects of the Birmingham School and post-subcultural theories. Steve Redhead argues that today’s youth continue to resist not through style but by ‘lengthy clubbing’. A total of 26 young women and men were interviewed alongside 10 months of fieldwork.

“I’ll Also with My Poverty, Buy All Your Sadness”: Tataloo and the Tatality Fanbase in Iran

ABSTRACT This article explores the emergence of Tataloo and his fans, the Tatality subculture. I ask how the strong and incontestable relationship was constructed between them through social media, particularly on Instagram, between 2003 and 2017. I argue that Tataloo, emerged as a clergy-musician, in the private realm of the Iranian youth subculture and communicated in an unlimited, intimate way with them. I consider the spread of, and free access to, social media, accompanied by changes in Iranian youth’s structure of feelings, and secularization of the society as determinant factors that led to the appearance of the Tataloo and Tatality phenomena.

Aging, Nostalgia and Older Punk Women’s Fandom.

Despite their continued engagement as audience throughout their lives, there is some suggestion that ageing, or older, fans have been at large omitted from fan studies (Middlemost, 2022). This does seem to be shifting, however, and there is a growing body of fandom scholarship concerning ageing fans. Indeed, in the context of punk, there has been a growing recognition of the continued significance of punk to older participants and fans (e.g. Andes, 2002, Bennett, 2006, Davis, 2006), contrasting earlier work which theorized punk as a youth subculture (see, for example, Hebdige, 1998). This reflects the increasing academic interest in the ageing popular music audience more broadly (Bennett and Hodkinson 2012). Despite such positive shifts, ageing women continue to be marginalised in such discussions concerning punk and older fans, meaning that much theoretical and conceptual understandings of ageing punks have failed to fully consider the interaction between ageing, gender and fandom.

Reflection of the Development of Female Subject Consciousness: Based on the Tendency of Gender Role Division in Danmei Literature

"Danmei" culture is an important part of contemporary youth subculture, among which "original Danmei literature" is a form of online literature that can reflect the level of female subject consciousness. This article starts from the development history of Danmei literature, takes the tendency of the artificial division of gender roles in Danmei works as the theme, and analyzes the classic seme-uke model that appears in Danmei literary works and the further division of gender roles in the ABO worldview. Under the trend of gender role division in Danmei literature, the two protagonists, who are both biological males, are artificially divided into different gender expressions, and even under the ABO worldview, they are divided into sex physiological structural differences, which brings about a gender gap. Danmei literature has returned to the traditional gender power logic, and female subject consciousness has been eliminated to a certain extent, showing the negative side of the development of Danmei literature.

Research on the Formation Mechanism of the Contemporary Youth Subculture "Da Zi Culture" Based on the Application of Grounded Theory Research Method

In the process of modernization, subcultural phenomena within youth groups have gradually flourished, and relevant theoretical research has made substantial progress. However, the phenomenon of "Da Zi Culture" within youth groups is a newly emerging, complex subculture influenced by various factors, with scarce empirical research within the academic community. Therefore, this study aims to explore the core topic of the formation mechanism of the youth subculture "Da Zi Culture," investigating the motivation for participation, influencing factors, and the satisfaction gained by the youth engaged in "finding a partner." The research results indicate that the formation mechanism of the youth subculture "Da Zi Culture" primarily involves four factors: functional domain needs, emotional values, social values, and internal and external driving forces. Based on this, the study constructs a theoretical model of the formation mechanism of "Da Zi Culture."