Marginalized Groups and Musical Subculture
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In sociology, anthropology and cultural
studies, a subculture is a group of people
with a culture (whether distinct or hidden)
which differentiates them from the larger
culture to which they belong.
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Greasers, Punk Rockers, Hip Hop Movement
Originated from marginalized groups as a
way of expressing themselves
Utilized media to form a culture differing
from the dominant one.
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1950’s
Named for the “grease” they used in their
hair
From low socio-economic backgrounds
Influenced language, dress, body language
Rock ‘n Roll-Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis
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Started as a revival of greaser culture to counter the
“softening of rock”
“Rock and roll by people who didn't have very much
skills as musicians but still felt the need to express
themselves through music”
Class values were shunned, embracement of lower
social income “lifestyle”
Influenced fashion, social attitude
The Ramones, Sex Pistols, The Clash
Originated in the South Bronx among AfroCaribbean, Latin American and African Americans.
 Initially was a way to express and “negotiate their
experiences of marginalization, brutally truncated
opportunity and oppression...”
 Retains a strong cultural influence up until today.
 Expresses freedom or oppression?
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Influence on language
Influence on clothing
Moved away from an exclusively “racial’ form
of expression.
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Dominant culture recognizing and adopting a
subculture leads to a “softening” of the
culture to make it more “acceptable”
1. What are the similarities? (Themes, tone,
mood, beat etc.)
2. What are some of the differences?
3. What kind of values are being portrayed?
4. What kind of attitude towards society is
being shown?
5. What kind of appeal did marginalized people
find in this music?