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Subculture and subversion
Abstracts (english)
Laszlo
A. Vaskovics
Subcultures and concepts of subculture
FJNSB, pp. 11-23
The autor presents an interpretation of the emergence of subcultures.
They result from a "constructed reality", i.e. from interactive
attributions. Concepts of subcultures should be discussed in the light
of the continuing process of social fragmentation. The criteria for
defining subcultures are becoming increasingly vague. General theories
are adapted to delineate the object of analysis. Subcultures are dealt
with mostly in a purely descriptive way. There is a strong need for
a genuine theory of subcultures.
Dieter
Kramer
Movements with open end: Ethnic and cultural processes in the modernity
FJNSB, pp. 24-32
Cultures as well as ethnic groups are social units, which are
not homogenous but are subject to permanent and dynamic change. The
"Cultures" of the Labour movement exemplifies how an emerging
social class can develop a genuine cultural practice that responds to
the challenge of industrialization. Most important for such a dynamics
of innovation are "elbow-rooms" that support the development
of interests and preferences. In a prosperous "society of choice"
the dissolution of milieus and traditions opens up opportunities that
promote a civil interpretation of social and cultural differences and
a dynamic concept of cultures as well as ethnic groups.
Dieter
Baacke/Wilfried Ferchhoff
From youth subcultures to youth cultures:
The discharge of traditional concepts of youth subculture
FJNSB, pp. 33-46
The authors summarize the discussion on youth subcultures.
The concept of subcultures, as it is put forward in criminological analses
resp. in the findings of criminal sociology is confronted with a debate
of youth subcultures from a structural-functional point of view. The
authors argue that one should reject the concept of youth subcultures;
it is much more appropriate to replace the term by "youth culture".
Social and cultural change has rendered the emphatic "sub"
superflueous.
Klaus
Farin
Skinheads and subculture
FJNSB, pp. 47-53
In contrast to Baacke/Ferchhoff the author strongly defends
the concept of subcultures. On the basis of his profound knowledge of
the skinhead scene in Germany he argues that they see themselves in
the tradition of the workers' subculture, i.e. in contrst to middle
or upper class youth. The skinhead subculture still resists the strong
pressures of commercialisation ans social influence. They sometimes
serve as scapegoets for the majority which labels them as right-wing
extremists in toto. However, the largest part of the skinhead subcultures
is un- resp. apolitical, and more often than not rejects racism.
Sven
Hillenkamp
'Die Autonomen': Between cultural reality and political efficiency
FJNSB, pp. 54-66
The radical left "Autonome" of Berlin are analysed
as a juvenile counter culture which has only to a limited extent been
able to be politically effective. The author, himself an activist for
years, outlines the strategies, values and attitudes of the "Autonome".
He reconstructs the process of organization that led to a nation-wide
alliance of groups. Further steps of opening the scene should show ways
out of the "subcultural ghetto".
Thomas
Lau
Raving Society: Remarks on the techno-scene
FJNSB, pp. 67-75
The author discusses the question whether the "Raving
Society" of techno music can be seen as an exemple of a subversive
youth culture. The "Rave" is described as a culturtal event,
characterized by specific dance styles, a fashion pluralism, and by
ist own print media. He characterizes this social phenomen as a leisure
cultue, ahistoric and speechless, with no autonomous social demands.
Thomas
A. Wetzstein/Linda Steinmetz/Roland Eckert
Sadomasochism: Scenes and rituals
FJNSB pp. 93-94
In a two-year project the authors have analysed the "special
culture" of sado-masochism and its rituals. They contribute to
the main topic ot this volume by discussing combined culture of "Lebenswelt"
and subculture.
Michael
Th. Greven/Ulrich Willems
Moral demands in the political socienty:
Theoretic and analytic remarks on a specific type of political demands
FJNSB, pp. 76-90
The authors discuss the significance of "moral demands"
in a "political society" by investigating the politics of
German third world NGOs. Moral demands are not in the model of rational
action that is implied by the institutions and processes of political
societies. Groups promoting social demands are qualified minorities,
but without the charateristics of other social organizations, f.e. lacking
any influence in elections and without organised social power. However,
a possible effect of moral demands could be a growing awareness of the
need for moral limits in a pluralistic society. They draw attention
towards the consequences of the pursiut of particularistic interests
inherent in moderne political societies. |