Youth subcultures is a popular option on the OCR A level Specification and there is significant crossover into other areas of sociological interest such as crime, education, media and culture and identity. ON this page, we have produced a selection of resources for teachers to use in the teaching of youth subculture, including key studies and activities to use with students and in revision.
Examples of youth subcultures
Social Context to Youth Subcultures
Youth subcultures are often a reaction to wider social factors and reflect broader social themes and events. Below there are a series of handouts on key events of different decades which will help add context to the formation of some historical subcultures.
Theoretical views of the formation of youth subcultures
Functionalism and youth subcultures
Functionalist explanations of subculture formation focus on how these groups emerge as responses to social structures and transitions, ultimately serving important roles in maintaining societal stability. Eisenstadt and Parsons emphasize the role of youth subcultures in navigating the transitional phase from childhood to adulthood, offering identity and social integration. In contrast, Cohen and Cloward & Ohlin highlight how subcultures form as adaptations to social inequality, with alternative norms or illegitimate opportunities providing ways to address frustrations and achieve status. Below are some resources to use when covering functionalist approaches.
Marxism and youth subcultures
Neo-Marxism and youth subcultures
The Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies (CCCS), established in 1964 at the University of Birmingham, made significant contributions to understanding youth subcultures. Led by Stuart Hall and others, the CCCS adopted a neo-Marxist approach, analysing youth subcultures as responses to the broader social and economic conditions of post-war Britain. Some of the work into youth subcultures by the CCS is outlined below, with downloads of specific studies and discussion questions for students.
Postmodernism and youth subcultures
Postmodernists have a very different view on how subcultures form, suggesting that individuals have more choice and agency in how they form their identity. Subcultures in postmodern society are less about shared norms and values, and more about shared experiences, tastes and interests. Some of the postmodern explanations of youth subcultures are shown in galley below and have handouts with study questions on them included.
Feminism and youth subcultures
Social Class and youth subcultures
Gender and youth subcultures
There is often a focus on males in traditional youth subcultures, but feminist theories of subcultural formation have increasingly gained traction as more and more young women adopt identities that align with subcultural norms. Some research is highlighted below, each with study questions and can be printed out to use with students.
Ethnicity and youth subcultures
Identity and youth subcultures
Researching Youth Subcultures
A key element to gaining a better understanding of sociology is to be able to understand how sociological research is conducted, and how this might influence the findings that are presented. The study of youth subcultures is conducted in many different ways, and in this section, there are some activities to get students to critically evaluate the research they have read about by analysis of the methodology used.
Subcultural Stories
A good way of practising student’s application skills is to give them real-life versions of sociological concepts in action. These may not always be handy 0r fit neatly into narrative, so I created a few fictional accounts of young people who have joined subcultures to get them to analyse the sociology behind subcultural membership. A wide range of subcultures are covered in these short pen pictures of teenagers – useful for a quick 10 minute activity in class.
Practical Activities
Youth subcultures are a reflection of a section of culture and often a period of time. Their meaning evolve over time, and so often it is difficult to covey to students how young people (especially in the pre-digital age) did to obtain status and clout (trying to be down with the kids here!). In these practical TLA activities, students can engage with element of historical and spectacular subcultures. Flick through the gallery of activities and downloads the ones you want. Really useful for extended learning that is rooted in the ideas of sociology.
