The psychology of punk : a qualitative study

Abstract

This paper reviews the construct of stigma in relation to identity formation processes and group membership. It focuses on punk subculture and delves into the reasons why punks tend to reject mainstream society. The aim of such a study was to illustrate punks’ life stories and explore in depth the subculture’s principles and ways of identification. A qualitative approach was deemed to be the most appropriate and six semi-structured interviews were conducted while adopting a narrative stance. Potential respondents were chosen by means of purposive selection, according to inclusion and exclusion criteria formerly set. Participants ranged from 25 to 50 years of age, all of whom own a Maltese nationality. Through thematic analysis, eight overarching themes were extracted, each of which comprised several other subordinate themes that were later on discussed. Findings highlight the importance of individualism and autonomy within the punk subculture, as well prioritising one’s attitude rather than external image, which eventually becomes internalised in the individual. Rejection is evident from both the mainstream and punks themselves. Although punks value distinctiveness and exclude themselves from the mainstream, they still tend to identify with one another to a certain extent, acknowledging their similar beliefs and lifestyle.