'Being' Versus 'Doing' Punk: On Achieving Authenticity as a Member

Abstract

In this paper we examine some ways in which members of subcultures make comparisons between and within subcultural groups and one function served by such comparisons. Specifically, we illustrate how social comparisons are used to achieve authenticity for the subcultural group and for the self as a member of that group. Our analysis focuses on the language through which such comparisons are made in people's talk. The data come from a series of informal interviews with punks, gothics and hippies. We analyse three types of comparison: the comparison of one or more groups with an external standard; the comparison of the subculture's past and present character; and the comparison between older and newer members. The implications of our findings for social identity theory are considered. Finally, we discuss an interesting and recurrent device for emphasising authenticity which lay in the construction of the descriptions of members' motivations for joining. This was related to the distinction between 'being' a member, or having the correct grounds for affiliation, and merely 'doing' or performing, aspects of the subculture.