Skinhead research

Skinhead culture

When?

1968-present

Where?

London

Politics

Most commonly, skinheads are known to have practiced Neo-Nazi opinions and viewpoints, and preached white power, generally being a very racist community of youths. They are known to have performed racist acts of violence against immigrants, most commonly South Asians (which they referred to as ‘Paki-bashing’.

Style:

Skinheads emerged after ‘Hard mods’ were introduced (also known as peanuts/lemonheads/gang mods). By 1966, hard mods were becoming known as Skinheads. Despite this, when the 70s started, skinheads were dropping from society and being replaced by ‘Suedeheads’, ‘Smoothies’, and ‘Bootboys’. The late 70s got the Skinhead scene booming again with the introduction of Punk Rock.It was not only a mod-influenced movement, but Skinheads also took aspects of their look from Jamaica, and the ‘Rude boy’ style (this is also where some of their music tastes originated from such as reggae).

Why become a skinhead?

People became skinheads, as they believed that white people owned Britain, hence showing racist intolerance of other races entering Britain from overseas.

How were they defined?

The role of young women/men in the emergence of the culture:

 Young people were unemployed and angry. Left with nothing to do, they were the face of the Skinhead culture.

 Has it changed?

The Skinhead culture has changed substantially from when it first emerged. Instead of being Neo-Nazi, fascist and racist, they are now most commonly against racism, with groups such as SHARP (SkinHeads Against Racial Prejudice), and the Redskins and anarchist skinheads, still stressing the working-class image, but not discriminating.

How were they perceived?

 

Mass media:

• 1969 - Slade wear the Skinhead look to get the public's attention.
•  Late 1977 - Gary Hodges and Tom McCourt start a Skinhead revival.
• 1979+ - Skinhead culture gains attention due to football hooliganism. More exxaggerated looks.
• Skinhead, a book by Nick Knight
• 1991 - Spirit of '69: A Skinhead Bible By George Marshall,a Glasweigan Skinhead

Does it still exist?

Some elements of fashion in present day revolve around the old Skinhead look, but they don't follow the Skinhead ideologies, or preach Neo-Nazism, or aren't actively against fascism.