The mediatization of deviant subcultures: an analysis of the media-related practices of graffiti writers and skaters

Authors

  • Kameliya Encheva
  • Olivier Driessens CIMS, Deptartment of Communication Sciences, Ghent University
  • Hans Verstraeten Department of Communication Sciences, Ghent University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7146/mediekultur.v29i54.7349

Keywords:

mediatization, subcultures, graffiti writing, skating

Abstract

This article studies the mediatization of criminal and deviant subcultures by analyzing the media-related practices of graffiti writers and skaters in Ghent, Belgium. The ethnographic analysis shows how these subcultures orient themselves toward media and how media become an essential part of and change their everyday practices. Three consequences of this mediatization are highlighted: First, by emphasizing their artistic and performative skills through the mediation of their practices, these subcultures start losing their rebellious and oppositional image. Second, as such, it can be observed that they increasingly become part of mainstream culture. Third, our analysis demonstrates how the mediatization of subcultural groups and their practices goes hand in hand with their commercialization and commodification, as they engage in recording and disseminating their work not only for artistic reasons but also as a means of acquiring sponsorship deals and job opportunities.

Author Biographies

Kameliya Encheva

MA in Communication Sciences, Ghent University

Olivier Driessens, CIMS, Deptartment of Communication Sciences, Ghent University

PhD-scholar and teaching assistant, Department of Communication Sciences at Ghent University.

 

Hans Verstraeten, Department of Communication Sciences, Ghent University

Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences at Ghent University. His expertise is media sociology and public sphere.

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Published

2013-06-28

How to Cite

Encheva, K., Driessens, O., & Verstraeten, H. (2013). The mediatization of deviant subcultures: an analysis of the media-related practices of graffiti writers and skaters. MedieKultur: Journal of Media and Communication Research, 29(54), 18 p. https://doi.org/10.7146/mediekultur.v29i54.7349