Unit 2 Subculture Research Paper
Unit: Introduction to Cultural and
Historical Studies
Degree: BA Fashion Journalism
Term 2
Unit Leader: Janice Miller
Natasha Fawn
FAW13380266
“Fashion (is) a key resource through which individuals in late modernity construct their identities and position themselves in relation to others” Bennett,
A. (2005) Culture and Everyday Life, London : Sage. p.1115
In this paper, I will be looking at how post-WWII subculture, notably the ‘Mods’, constructed their distinctive style in response to cultural and economic changes that occurred after the war, with reference to historical occurrences in both
America and Great Britain. I will also attempt to examine how the mods unique subcultural symbols are so recognisable to the movement, …show more content…
While America enjoyed emerging from WWII wealthier and more powerful than ever, the UK was still struggling to come to terms with the damage that ensued after the war. Yet, for the youth of Britain, things were changing.
With the national service being eradicated and full employment taking its place, the rise of the ‘teenager’ began. The ‘Teddy Boys’ arose, a movement that was influenced by American Rock ‘n’ Roll music and culture. This was something that society had never seen before. The establishments felt threatened by the youth movement and the press made sure to document and exaggerate the violence and unruly behaviour of the Teddy Boys. However, this period didn’t last long as the mainstream started to catch on, with the fashion and music being duplicated for the masses. The Teddy Boys then dissolved into various other subcultures as their proud identities were taken and exploited into everything that they were rebelling against in the first place. The two new major groups that formed were the ‘Ton Up Boys’ and the ‘Coffee Bar Cats’. The Ton Up Boys altered their image with Rock ‘n’ Roll as their foundation rode big motorcycles and wore leather and boots. Contrasting this, the Coffee Bar Cats had a more European
Historical Studies
Degree: BA Fashion Journalism
Term 2
Unit Leader: Janice Miller
Natasha Fawn
FAW13380266
“Fashion (is) a key resource through which individuals in late modernity construct their identities and position themselves in relation to others” Bennett,
A. (2005) Culture and Everyday Life, London : Sage. p.1115
In this paper, I will be looking at how post-WWII subculture, notably the ‘Mods’, constructed their distinctive style in response to cultural and economic changes that occurred after the war, with reference to historical occurrences in both
America and Great Britain. I will also attempt to examine how the mods unique subcultural symbols are so recognisable to the movement, …show more content…
While America enjoyed emerging from WWII wealthier and more powerful than ever, the UK was still struggling to come to terms with the damage that ensued after the war. Yet, for the youth of Britain, things were changing.
With the national service being eradicated and full employment taking its place, the rise of the ‘teenager’ began. The ‘Teddy Boys’ arose, a movement that was influenced by American Rock ‘n’ Roll music and culture. This was something that society had never seen before. The establishments felt threatened by the youth movement and the press made sure to document and exaggerate the violence and unruly behaviour of the Teddy Boys. However, this period didn’t last long as the mainstream started to catch on, with the fashion and music being duplicated for the masses. The Teddy Boys then dissolved into various other subcultures as their proud identities were taken and exploited into everything that they were rebelling against in the first place. The two new major groups that formed were the ‘Ton Up Boys’ and the ‘Coffee Bar Cats’. The Ton Up Boys altered their image with Rock ‘n’ Roll as their foundation rode big motorcycles and wore leather and boots. Contrasting this, the Coffee Bar Cats had a more European