Gender Expressions Among Youth: The Influence of Subcultures

Abstract

Youth identity formation is a complex and dynamic process shaped by social, cultural, and personal factors, with gender expression playing a central role. In recent years, subcultures such as punk, goth, hip-hop, and cosplay have become significant spaces where adolescents experiment with gender identities beyond mainstream norms. This study explores how subcultural participation influences adolescents’ gender expressions and identity construction. Drawing upon queer theory and sociological perspectives, it synthesizes existing literature and case studies, including research on hip-hop in Brazil and punk in North America, to examine how subcultures both resist and reproduce dominant gender norms. The discussion also considers the role of digital media in expanding subcultural communities and facilitating global networks of identity formation. Findings suggest that subcultures create opportunities for gender-nonconforming youth to resist traditional expectations and develop alternative forms of self-expression, while also reproducing challenges such as patriarchal hierarchies and social marginalization. These insights highlight the dual role of subcultures as both liberating and constraining forces in shaping adolescent gender identities.