Tribus Urbanas: Identity construction in Argentinean youth cultures

Abstract

This thesis is the result of four months of fieldwork among the so called ‘tribus urbanas’ or urban tribes in Tres Arroyos, Argentina. Urban tribes are groups of people who share common interests in urban areas. The members of these relatively small groups tend to have similar worldviews, dress styles and behavioral patterns. This thesis focuses on two urban tribes: the skaters and the heavies. Within the issue of urban tribes and youth culture, the internet and music are of great importance. Music and the internet connect people who can eventually build a (group) identity around these subjects. Boundaries are created towards the outside world to fortify this identity by creating an ingroup and an outgroup. This is also done by resistance towards society through music, behavior, appearance and even the internet. Resistance is one of the most important factors of the formation of urban tribes, as is authenticity. Music is the main common denominator of the skaters and heavies. This thesis will provide new insights within the dynamics of identity construction in youth cultures as it focuses on how urban tribes construct a group identity through music and the internet. A special focus will lie on the so called internet-based urban tribes.