Factors Influencing Youth Culture: Impact of gender

Gender and Youth Culture Formation

Gender plays a central role in shaping youth cultures, influencing the activities, interests, and behaviours considered appropriate for young people.
Traditionally, much youth culture research focused on male-dominated scenes, restricting our understanding of the gender dynamics within youth cultures.
However, recent research has expanded to cover the diverse experiences and perspectives of girls and young women, revealing a variety of gendered youth cultures.

Gender norms and stereotypes can limit participation or encourage participation in certain youth cultures.
For instance, the notion that computers and gaming are for boys has led to the underrepresentation of young women in tech and gaming subcultures.
Conversely, fashion, beauty and celebrity culture are often seen as feminine, influencing boys’ participation in these areas.

Resisting and challenging gender stereotypes can be an integral part of youth culture.
Young people may utilise youth cultural practices, such as music, dress, and dance, to challenge traditional gender roles and expectations.
Youth cultures like the Riot Grrrl movement have played an important role in feminism, advancing conversations about equality and women’s rights among young people.

The digital realm offers spaces for young people to explore and express their gender identities.
For example, blogging sites, online discussion forums, and social media platforms have been used by young people to challenge traditional gender norms and champion inclusivity.
However, these spaces are also often sites of gender inequality and discrimination, reflecting wider societal gender inequalities.

It’s essential to consider gender in youth culture alongside other aspects of identity, such as race, class, and sexuality - an approach known as intersectionality.
Intersectionality can help us understand how different social identities combine to shape young people’s experiences in and engagement with youth culture.
For instance, gender identities in youth culture cannot be separated from the impact of race and class, as these factors significantly influence how gender is experienced and navigated.