Exploring subcultural models of a discursive youth net-radio hierarchy

Abstract

Based on an empirical case study of transnational (United States and Australia) youth net-radio users, this article evaluates theoretical debates between the classic and contemporary post-subcultural theories. This article seeks to bridge the two theoretical strands and re-evaluates the role of style, resistance, and social class in subcultural theory by relating them to the dynamics of a transnational youth net-radio hierarchy. This net-radio hierarchy is defined by youths' musical tastes; how much power 16 users have over their net-radio consumption and production practices, and their resistance to traditional radio.

Notes

1. The term ‘college students’ is often synonymous with tertiary students or university students. In this article I use the term college students.

2. Hayward (1995); Lind and Medoff (1999); Hendy (2000); Coyal (2000); Black (2001); Priestman (2002); Wall (2004); Sawhney and Seungwhan (2005); Kuhn (2002, 2006); Ren and Chan-Olmsted (2004); Kibby (2006); Atton (2004); Menduni (2007); Freire (2008).

3. Afrika Bambaataa, who helped with the rally, is a community leader from South Bronx. He was instrumental in the early development of hip hop throughout the 1970s and is considered to be the first rapper ever.

4. Grand Wizzard Theodore is credited as the inventor of scratching.

5. Jazzy Jeff is a hip hop and rhythm-and-blues record producer and turntablist. He is best known for his early career with Will Smith as half of DJ duo, Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince.