Dr Paul Hodkinson
Senior Lecturer and Deputy Head of Department
Qualifications: BSocSc (Birmingham), PhD (Birmingham)
Email: p.hodkinson@surrey.ac.uk
Phone: Work: 01483 68 3767
Room no: 13 AD 03
Further information
Biography
Paul Hodkinson joined the Department of Sociology in August 2003. He was previously Senior Lecturer in Media Studies at University College Northampton and prior to that, he studied at the University of Birmingham at undergraduate and postgraduate level. His PhD - focused upon theories of subculture in relation to ethnographic research of the goth scene - was awarded in 2001. Since then, his research and writing have focused upon subcultural theory, the social significance of social networking sites, theories and understandings of media and ageing youth cultures.
He is author of Goth. Identity, Style and Subculture (Berg 2002) and Media, Culture and Society (Sage 2010). He is also co-editor, with Wolfgang Deicke, of Youth Cultures: Scenes, Subcultures and Tribes (Routledge 2007) and co-editor, with Andy Bennett, of Ageing and Youth Cultures (Berg 2012).
He is co-editor of Sociological Research Online and previously acted as co-editor of the Culture section of the Sociology Compass journal (2011-12).
For more information and to download selected publications please visit Paul's personal site: http://www.paulhodkinson.co.uk
Research Interests
sociology of youth and youth cultures
ageing and youth subcultures
social networking sites and identity
popular music and society
media and community
approaches to 'insider research' in sociology
Publications
Journal articles
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(2012) 'Beyond Spectacular Specifics in the Study of Youth (Sub)Cultures'. Taylor & Francis Journal of Youth Studies, 15 (5)Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/669150/
Abstract
This paper asks how much we can learn about youth music and style groupings from the detail of the spectacular content and practices which most obviously distinguish such groups. First, I consider an apparent revival in theoretically driven interpretations of subcultural style, music and content in recent work on the goth scene, arguing that, for all their sophistication, such studies seem liable to reproduce some of the difficulties of earlier studies of spectacular symbolic meanings unless their findings are connected with other kinds of evidence. The paper then examines recent calls for greater focus on the minutiae of participants’ sensory experience of distinct subcultural practices. I discuss case studies of promising work in the area, while emphasising the need to avoid reducing subcultures to the specificities of selected spectacular experience. Drawing the two parts together, I suggest many elements of subcultures are neither imprinted in spectacular sounds and texts nor discernable from the immediate sensations spectacular practices give rise to. In order to enhance our overall understanding it is important, therefore, that our examination of the distinct and extraordinary features of subcultures is contextualised in relation to broader understandings a range of other properties and patterns which may be less distinct, unique or extraordinary.
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(2012) 'Family and Parenting in an Ageing ‘Youth’ Culture: A Collective Embrace of Dominant Adulthood'. Sage Publications Sociology,
[ Status: Accepted ] - . (2011) 'Ageing in a Spectacular Youth Culture: Continuity, Change and Community in the Goth Scene'. 2nd Edition. Wiley-Blackwell British Journal of Sociology, 62, pp. 262-282.
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(2008) 'Young People, New Technologies and Political Engagement: Introduction'. Taylor & Francis Journal of Youth Studies, 11 (5), pp. 473-479.Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/669149/
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(2008) 'Online journals as virtual bedrooms? Young people, identity and personal space'. Sage Publications Ltd Young: Nordic Journal of Young Research, 16 (1), pp. 27-46.Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/216665/
Abstract
This paper considers the increasing importance of personal, individualized spaces in the lives and identities of young people through a comparative examination of the contemporary use of the physical space of the bedroom and the ‘virtual’ territory of the online journal. Particularly popular among those in their teens and early twenties, online journals constitute an interactive form of web log whose content tends to be dominated by reflections upon the everyday experiences, thought and emotions of their individual owner. We propose here that such online journals often take on for their users the symbolic and practical properties of individually owned and controlled space – something we illustrate through a comparison with young people’s uses of the primary individual centred physical space in their lives – the bedroom. This discussion is informed by research by each of the authors, on young people’s bedrooms and on the use of online journals respectively. The paper identifies and explores understandings and functions of these two spaces for young people, identifying a number of apparent similarities in their use. Through doing so, we illustrate the potential value of the bedroom as a prism through which to understand online journal use at the same time as helping to illuminate the general significance of personal space to the lives and identities of contemporary young people.
- . (2007) 'Review of Dan Laughey, Music and Youth Culture. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2006. 248 pp.'. SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION, 22 (4), pp. 513-516.
- . (2007) 'Interactive online journals and individualization'. SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD NEW MEDIA & SOCIETY, 9 (4), pp. 625-650.
- . (2006) 'Popular music and national culture in Israel'. WILEY-BLACKWELL BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY, 57 (2), pp. 333-334.
- . (2005) 'Insider Research in the Study of Youth Cultures'. Routledge Journal of Youth Studies, 8 (2), pp. 131-149.
Books
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(2011) Media, Culture and Society: An introduction. Sage Publications Ltd Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/730539/
Abstract
'In his beautifully balanced, clear and broad-ranging account of a fast-changing field, Paul Hodkinson has successfully brought together myriad perspectives with which to critically analyse today's media culture and media society' - Sonia Livingstone, Professor of Media & communication, LSE Clearly organized, systematic and combining a critical survey of the field with a finely judged assessment of cutting edge developments, this book provides a 'must have' contribution to media and communication studies. The text is organized into three distinctive parts, which fall neatly into research and teaching requirements: Elements of the Media (which covers media technologies, the organization of the media industry, media content and media users); Media, Power and Control (which addresses questions of the media and manipulation, the construction of news, public service broadcasting, censorship, commercialization); and Media, Identity and Culture (which covers issues of the media and ethnicity, gender, subcultures, audiences and fans). The book is notable for: • Logical and coherent organization • Clarity of expression • Use of relevant examples • Fair minded criticism • Zestful powers of analysis It has all of the qualities to be adopted as core introductory text in the large and buoyant field of media and communication studies.
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(2009) Youth Cultures: Scenes, Subcultures and Tribes. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/732231/
Abstract
Youth Cultures offers a comprehensive outline of youth cultural studies in the twenty-first century, with reference to a range of new research case studies. Featuring both well known and emerging scholars from the UK, the US and mainland Europe, the book addresses core theoretical and methodological developments before going on to examine key substantive themes in the study of young people's identities and lifestyles. These include questions of commerce, power and politics, issues of gender and ethnicity, uses of place and space and impacts of new media and communications. Simultaneously offering an accessible introduction and a range of new contributions to the subject area, Youth Cultures will appeal to both students and academics within a range of disciplines, including sociology, media and cultural studies, youth studies and popular music studies.
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(2002) Goth. Identity, Style and Subculture. London : Berg Publishers Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/732232/
Abstract
Goths represent one of the most arresting, distinctive and enduring subcultures of recent times. The dedication of those involved to a lifestyle which, from the outside, may appear dark and sinister, has spawned reactions ranging from admiration to alarm. Until now, no one has conducted a full-scale ethnographic study of this fascinating subcultural group. Based on extensive research by an 'insider', this is the first. Immersing us in the potent mix of identities, practices and values that make up the goth scene, the author takes us behind the faade of the goth mystique. From dress and musical tastes to social habits and the use of the internet, Hodkinson details the inner workings of this intriguing group. Defying postmodern theories that claim media and commerce break down substantive cultural groupings, Hodkinson shows how both have been used by goths to retain, and even strengthen, their group identity. Hodkinson provides a comprehensive reworking of subcultural theory, making a key contribution to the disciplines of sociology, cultural studies, youth studies, media studies, and popular music studies. Readable and accessible, this groundbreaking book presents a unique chance to engage with a contemporary, spectacular culture.
Book chapters
- . (2012) 'The Collective Ageing of a Goth Festival'. in Hodkinson P, Bennett A (eds.) Ageing and Youth Cultures: Music, Style and Identity Berg Publishers Article number 10
- . (2009) 'Youth Cultures: A Critical Outline of Key Debates'. in Hodkinson P, Deicke W (eds.) Youth Cultures: Scenes, Subcultures and Tribes Routledge Article number 1
- . (2009) 'Spectacular Youth? Young People's Fashion and Style'. in Furlong A (ed.) Handbook of Youth and Young Adulthood
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(2008) 'Grounded Theory and Inductive Research'. in Gilbert N (ed.) Researching Social Life
Third Edition. London : Sage Publications Ltd Article number 5 , pp. 80-100.Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/732236/
Abstract
This chapter focuses upon the principles and procedures associated with grounded theory, which has become the most well known approach to inductive social research. Having distinguished between inductive and deductive approaches to the development of theory through research in a general sense, the chapter goes on to outline the key features of grounded theory, including the notions of theoretical sampling, coding, constant comparison, and theoretical saturation. The focus here is partly on providing practical information and examples on how to carry out grounded theory research but also on understanding the justifications and arguments offered by proponents for adopting this approach. Having set out such procedures and arguments, we will examine some of the criticisms which have been levelled against grounded theory. It is suggested that, although highly influential, grounded theory is not very often followed to the letter and that – for better or worse – it is more common for researchers to adopt one or more elements associated with approach as part of their efforts to develop theory through research.
- . (2007) '“We are all individuals, but we’ve all got the same boots on!” Traces of Individualism within a Subcultural Community'. in Goodlad LME, Bibby M (eds.) Goth: Undead Subculture Duke University Press Books
- . (2007) 'Gothic Music and Subculture'. in Catherine SPD, McEvoy E (eds.) The Routledge Companion to Gothic Routledge
- . (2006) 'Subcultural Blogging. Online Journals and Group Involvement Among UK Goths'. in Bruns A, Jacobs J (eds.) Uses of Blogs Peter Lang Pub Inc
- . (2005) 'Communicating Goth: Online Media'. in Gelder K (ed.) The Subcultures Reader Routledge
- . (2004) 'Translocal Connections in the Goth Scene'. in Bennett A, Peterson RA (eds.) Music Scenes: Local, Translocal and Virtual Vanderbilt Univ Pr
- . (2004) 'The Goth Scene and (Sub)Cultural Substance'. in Bennett A, Kahn-Harris K (eds.) After Subculture: Critical Studies in Contemporary Youth Culture Palgrave MacMillan
- . (2003) '“Net.Goth”. On-line Communications and (Sub)Cultural Boundaries'. in Muggleton D, Weinzierl R (eds.) The Post-Subcultures Reader Berg Publishers , pp. 285-298.
Teaching
Current Teaching
Media, Power and Control (level 2 undergraduate)
Popular Music and Society (level 3 undergraduate)
Understanding Youth Culture (level 3 undergraduate)
Music, Media and Technology (level 3 undergraduate)
Dissertation supervision (undergraduate and postgraduate)
PhD supervision
Selected previous teaching
Sociological Analysis
Social Research Methods
Media, Communication and Society
Social Theory
Departmental Duties
Current Duties
Deputy Head and Director of Teaching and Learning, Department of Sociology
Selected Previous Duties
Programme Director, BSc Sociology, Culture and Media; BA Media Studies
Chair of Department Teaching and Learning Committee
Member, Faculty Teaching and Learning Committee
Member, Faculty Ethics Committee
Academic Misconduct Arbitrator
External Examining
Paul has just taken up an external examiner role for BA Media and Communications and related programmes at Demontfort University.
Previously, Paul acted as external examiner for the MA in Popular Music Studies at the University of Liverpool from 2008-11.
Paul has acted as external examiner for PhD students at University of Liverpool, University of Glasgow, London School of Economics, Brunel University, University of Essex, University of Bolton, Canterbury Christ Church University and University of Wollongong.
