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Goth: Identity, Style and Subculture (Dress, Body, Culture Series)
by Paul Hodkinson

With the various US government studies/programs regarding Goths, in a negative light, it is refreshing to see an academic book regarding the gothic subculture.  Perhaps this will help alleviate some of the persecution many goths face.

The author, Hodkinson stresses his ability to view the subculture as an outsider while admitting to be part of this subculture.  A difficult feat.

Hodkinson goes through the four basic elements of a subculure well enough.  Although is glossing over of the early roots and history of Goth left something to be desire, I began to get annoyed with the anonymous quotes!  If a person uses such quoting methods than how can a reasonably intelligent person trust the authenticity of the quote?!?

At one point in the book Hodkinson is explaining how those in the Gothic subculture do not have sexual or romantic relations with those outside of the Gothic subculture.  Once again I disagree.  I tend to date people in the Punk and Industrial subcultures.  Most of the Goths I know do not date/sleep with other Goths.  Of course I could just be weird, but then wouldn't that make me more Goth? *snicker*

In addition this book requires a good deal of effort to read through due to Hodkinson glossing over details, lack of musical mentions and general blandness of writing style.  I was disappointed with the final chapter.  There was no victorious declaration that the reader is lead to.  I could have been reading the financial section of a newspaper for all of its warm intensity.

Finally the author claims to have done a "full-scale ethnographic study", I find that difficult to believe due to the fact Hodkinson did 72 interviews and conducted a survey at Whitby.  I do not think, in all honesty, that an entire subculture that has rooted itself in every continent could be properly examined by 72 interviews and a survey at a convention.

Even so, for all the things I hated about the book, there were things I enjoyed and thought well of.  I especially liked Hodkinson's presentation of the book to mainstream society.  This book will quickly become an important instrument in keeping hate crimes (towards Goths) from happening.  Perhaps some teacher out there will use this book in his/her class?

By JH

! buy the book !

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