Uploaded May 2017 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Paul Hodkinson's 4 indicators of subcultural substance:
Consistent distinctiveness, in that the group shares a consistency of style, tastes, and values, that are distinct from other groups. (accounting for slight variation between individuals)
Identity, in that "participants have a clear and sustained subjective sense of group identity" a sense of like-mindedness with other goths regardless of geographic location, and [the subculture is] often regarded as the single most important part of their identity.
Commitment, in that participation in the subculture "accounts for a considerable proportion of free time, friendship patterns, shopping routes, collections of commodities, going out habits and even internet use."
Autonomy, in that while still part of society and the politico-economic system of that country, "a good proportion of the productive or organizational activities which underpin it (the subculture) are liable to be undertaken by and for enthusiasts."
Goth as a subculture is marked by an emphasis on a distinct, structured homology of culture, whose ideologies, material objects, and rituals are shared through substantive interaction, common identity, and shared meaning, rather than as raw materials to be harvested by ephemeral, multi-affiliated post subculturalists.
My 4 markers of a goth identity:
1. An appreciation of goth music
2. Aesthetic deviance that aligns with the sartorial idioms of goth.
3. Embracing darkness (manifest as an appreciation of the macabre, Gothic literature, finding beauty in the uncanny and abnormal, etc)
4. An active pursuit of incorporating these ideologies, material objects, and rituals into substantive, communal interaction. (lifestyle curation)
References:
Derek Sweet's Paper: tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1362/026725799785045824
Paul Hodkinson's Book: amazon.com/Goth-Identity-Style-Subculture-Culture/dp/185973605X
Paul Hodkinson on post-subcutlturalists: tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13676261.2015.1098778?journalCode=cjys20
Nephilim Incorruptus Video: youtu.be/9-ayL4fNnBU
Catherine Spooner on The Gothic as a Revivalist movement: amazon.com/Contemporary-Gothic-Focus-Issues-FOCI/dp/1861893019
Lexicography and the evolution of language: bigthink.com/think-again-podcast/lair-of-the-level-10-word-mage-nil-kory-stamper-nil-think-again-a-big-think-podcast
Ageing in Spectacular Youth Culture (Cemetery Confessions): http://www.thebelfry.rip/blog/2016/5/28/aging-in-youth-culture-cemetery-confessions
Ageing in Spectacular Youth Culture (book): amazon.com/Ageing-Youth-Cultures-Music-Identity/dp/1847888356
Paul Hodkinson's 4 indicators of subcultural substance:
Consistent distinctiveness, in that the group shares a consistency of style, tastes, and values, that are distinct from other groups. (accounting for slight variation between individuals)
Identity, in that "participants have a clear and sustained subjective sense of group identity" a sense of like-mindedness with other goths regardless of geographic location, and [the subculture is] often regarded as the single most important part of their identity.
Commitment, in that participation in the subculture "accounts for a considerable proportion of free time, friendship patterns, shopping routes, collections of commodities, going out habits and even internet use."
Autonomy, in that while still part of society and the politico-economic system of that country, "a good proportion of the productive or organizational activities which underpin it (the subculture) are liable to be undertaken by and for enthusiasts."
Goth as a subculture is marked by an emphasis on a distinct, structured homology of culture, whose ideologies, material objects, and rituals are shared through substantive interaction, common identity, and shared meaning, rather than as raw materials to be harvested by ephemeral, multi-affiliated post subculturalists.
My 4 markers of a goth identity:
1. An appreciation of goth music
2. Aesthetic deviance that aligns with the sartorial idioms of goth.
3. Embracing darkness (manifest as an appreciation of the macabre, Gothic literature, finding beauty in the uncanny and abnormal, etc)
4. An active pursuit of incorporating these ideologies, material objects, and rituals into substantive, communal interaction. (lifestyle curation)
References:
Derek Sweet's Paper: tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1362/026725799785045824
Paul Hodkinson's Book: amazon.com/Goth-Identity-Style-Subculture-Culture/dp/185973605X
Paul Hodkinson on post-subcutlturalists: tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13676261.2015.1098778?journalCode=cjys20
Nephilim Incorruptus Video: youtu.be/9-ayL4fNnBU
Catherine Spooner on The Gothic as a Revivalist movement: amazon.com/Contemporary-Gothic-Focus-Issues-FOCI/dp/1861893019
Lexicography and the evolution of language: bigthink.com/think-again-podcast/lair-of-the-level-10-word-mage-nil-kory-stamper-nil-think-again-a-big-think-podcast
Ageing in Spectacular Youth Culture (Cemetery Confessions): http://www.thebelfry.rip/blog/2016/5/28/aging-in-youth-culture-cemetery-confessions
Ageing in Spectacular Youth Culture (book): amazon.com/Ageing-Youth-Cultures-Music-Identity/dp/1847888356
