Music Subculture Socialization of Teenagers in Germany: A Comprehensive Examination

Music, as a pervasive cultural force, plays a pivotal role in shaping the identities and social interactions of teenagers. In Germany, the landscape of how teenagers engage with music subcultures is undergoing a transformative shift. This study seeks to unravel the intricate dynamics of this transformation, specifically focusing on the dwindling influence of traditional youth centers due to budget cuts and the concurrent rise of high schools as potential spaces for socialization. In the age of digital media dominance, the discovery and consumption of music have undergone a profound evolution, raising questions about the interpersonal exchanges within music subcultures. The fundamental research question guiding this study is as follows: To what extent do budget cuts in municipalities and church organizations impact the development and socialization of teenagers within music subcultures in Germany, and can high schools effectively fill the void left by the decline of youth centers in terms of providing a space for individual development and music subculture socialization? To address this overarching question, the study will delve into the historical role of youth centers as vital “third spaces” that fostered a sense of community and facilitated individual development among teenagers. It will scrutinize the consequences of budget cuts on these youth centers and explore the potential of high schools to serve as alternative spaces for music subculture socialization. Furthermore, in light of the shift from physical to digital media in music consumption, the research will investigate how this transformation impacts interpersonal exchanges within music subcultures, emphasizing the diminishing reliance on face-to-face interactions for music discovery.

Keywords:
music subcultures, socialization, youth centers, budget cuts, digital media, Germany

Florian Roderburg is a doctoral student in the Research Study Programme at the MuTri Doctoral School.