Date of Award
12-1986
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Anthropology
First Advisor
Dr. William Garland
Second Advisor
Dr. Erika Loeffler
Third Advisor
Dr. Robert Jack Smith
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
This thesis presents an ethnosemantic analysis of the punk rock subculture of western Michigan. Assertion of personal identity is demonstrated to be the underlying principle which organizes punk terminology for their music, cultural environment, and members of the subcultures. An analysis of punk song lyrics, visual style, and verbal style demonstrates that this assertion of identity is accomplished through opposition to the dominant American culture. Punk rock can then be understood as a subculture of cultural rebellion which allows its members to assert their individuality through violation of culturally accepted aesthetic values.
Recommended Citation
Pomeroy, Robert P., "An Ethnographic Study of Punk Rock in Western Michigan: Identity in a Youth Subculture" (1986). Masters Theses. 1316.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/1316