PUNK ROCK AS FAMILY AND COMMUNITY: AN EXPLORATION OF THE POSITIVE ASPECTS OF MEMBERSHIP IN A MUSIC-BASED SUBCULTURE

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Palamaro Munsell, E. (2011). PUNK ROCK AS FAMILY AND COMMUNITY: AN EXPLORATION OF THE POSITIVE ASPECTS OF MEMBERSHIP IN A MUSIC-BASED SUBCULTURE. Unc Charlotte Electronic Theses And Dissertations.
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Abstract

Adolescence is often viewed as a tumultuous time. As teens grow more independent, social interaction with peers becomes increasingly important, and friendships with peers are associated with numerous positive outcomes. However, along with teens' emerging autonomy and individuation comes increased social risk. Adolescent members of music-based subcultures are thought to be at increased risk for deviant and harmful behaviors such as substance abuse, violence, and increased sexual risk taking. However, there is little empirical evidence to support these claims. This work explores the positive aspects as well as the risks associated with the punk subculture from the perspective of adult members who joined as adolescents. Using an ethnography-informed approach, this qualitative study used interviews and field observations to shed light on the motivations for membership into the punk subculture as well as the experience of membership from the perspective of adults who joined as adolescents. The twelve participants represented equal groups of younger adult (age range 19-25) and older adult (age range 33-44) punks. Multiple themes emerged regarding the participants' entry into punk and the punk identity. Members across both age groups identified benefits. The contributions of these findings to the area's limited research base are detailed, their potential relevance to theory and practice is considered, and directions for future research are outlined.

Details
Author

Palamaro Munsell, Eylin

Title

PUNK ROCK AS FAMILY AND COMMUNITY: AN EXPLORATION OF THE POSITIVE ASPECTS OF MEMBERSHIP IN A MUSIC-BASED SUBCULTURE

Physical Description

1 online resource (130 pages) : PDF

Date

2011

Degree Granting Institution

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Abstract

Adolescence is often viewed as a tumultuous time. As teens grow more independent, social interaction with peers becomes increasingly important, and friendships with peers are associated with numerous positive outcomes. However, along with teens' emerging autonomy and individuation comes increased social risk. Adolescent members of music-based subcultures are thought to be at increased risk for deviant and harmful behaviors such as substance abuse, violence, and increased sexual risk taking. However, there is little empirical evidence to support these claims. This work explores the positive aspects as well as the risks associated with the punk subculture from the perspective of adult members who joined as adolescents. Using an ethnography-informed approach, this qualitative study used interviews and field observations to shed light on the motivations for membership into the punk subculture as well as the experience of membership from the perspective of adults who joined as adolescents. The twelve participants represented equal groups of younger adult (age range 19-25) and older adult (age range 33-44) punks. Multiple themes emerged regarding the participants' entry into punk and the punk identity. Members across both age groups identified benefits. The contributions of these findings to the area's limited research base are detailed, their potential relevance to theory and practice is considered, and directions for future research are outlined.

Genre

doctoral dissertations

Subjects--Topics

Sociology
Psychology
Area studies

Subjects--Places

America

Degree

Ph.D.

Keywords

Adolescence
Identity
Punk Rock
Sense of Community
Youth Subculture

Subject Area

Health Psychology

Advisor(s)

Kilmer, Ryan

Committee Members

Cook, James
Quinlan, Margaret
Wierzalis, Edward

Degree Note

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 2011.

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Rights Holder Information

Copyright is held by the author unless otherwise indicated.

Identifier

PalamaroMunsell_uncc_0694D_10265

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.13093/etd:306