The classification of Goth as a subculture in society
The subject matter of this essay will aim to show that the group known as Goth, is indeed a subculture in society. This essay will demonstrate that this group has its own individual values and norms, separate to that of mainstream society and how it has managed to reinvent itself inside and against mainstream society since it emerged during the 1980's. I have chosen to pick Goths for this essay as they have managed to last as a subculture in many countries worldwide and in my view have successfully distinguished themselves from the dominant culture in society. This essay will try to define what the group is, it will explain what a subculture is and how Goths are a part of that subculture, and it will outline and explain the concept of values with respect to the Goth group while differentiating those values between the gothic subculture and the dominant culture in society. Through norms, dress, language and artifacts it will also show why Goths should indeed be classed as a subculture, separate to that of mainstream society, as they have identified themselves as a subculture through symbols and nineteenth century gothic literature influences as well as contemporary imagery and style through horror films (Hodkinson 2002).
The concept of subcultures can be traced back to Frederic Thrashers work on Chicago gangs, when he identified that the gang had its own distinct traditions, morals and their own structure as a group which largely contributed to separating members of that gang from the dominant culture of society (Thrasher 1927). There are many different definitions surrounding the concept of subcultures, Kamarovsky and Sargent, said that subcultures refer to certain cultural variants which are shown by certain members of the population. They have described subcultures as worlds that are living within a larger