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Examining Sub-Cultures: The Goth Culture

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Individuals in society are inherently subject to collaborative norms and values that have been instilled in humanity, with the consideration that this varies across cultures. The paradigm between collective action and individual desire results in the formation of what is deemed socially acceptable, such as gender roles, sexual orientation, gender performance etc. “It is social norms that provide the constraints by which the interaction between the basic dyad of self and other is governed…social norms also provide the source of identity between the individual action, the complete system and the overall social order itself resides in the identity between the action and the system” (Jinks, 2005; 78-79) Deviations form societal norms …show more content…

This is mirrored in Brills writing, as she begins to see that the contradictory workings of gender performance might be explored on living bodies and their dress.
Brill (2008) examines the idea of androgyny as a means of challenging the norms of hegemonic masculinity. By displaying characteristics of both a masculine and feminine nature heteronormativity is in theory challenged by members of the Goth culture. Brill (2008) highlights while in Goths align themselves to the notion of genderlessness, upon examination it is clear that they are engaging in “Hyper femininity as an empowering and protective masquerade represents a general way in which female Goths emotional investments in their style can be understood” (Brill: 2008). Thus both male and females are aligning to themselves to the feminine.
“Elements of style coded as feminine ( e.g. make up, long hair, delicate fabrics like mesh or lace, skinny fit clothes, skirts) are popular among both male and female Goths” ( Brill, 2008: 3). Like many subcultures dress and physical appearance is used as a means of not necessarily genderlessness but rather hyper femininity. Males and females embrace typical female normative appearance and overemphasis it, leading to both dramatic dress and make up in both males and females.
Arguably, although Goth dress and physical expression is not expressing genderlessness as intended, it is still challenging the hegemonic norms of masculinity. By

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