Existential Problems of Contemporary Youth Subcultures

Abstract

The study of existential problems of modern youth subcultures is of great importance in the context of the transition of society from the industrial to the post-industrial era, which determines the emergence of new cultural and social phenomena. Despite numerous works on the topic of youth subcultures, there is still no systematic approach to the analysis of their existential significance and influence on the formation of identity of participants in the context of globalization and mass culture. The purpose of this study is to identify key existential problems faced by representatives of youth subcultures, as well as to analyze their role in the formation of authentic being and opposition to the hegemonic tendencies of mass culture. The study was conducted on the basis of theoretical analysis of existing concepts and methods in the field of social philosophy, psychology, and cultural studies, as well as using the analysis of literature on youth subcultures and identity. The study revealed the importance of youth subcultures as autonomous spaces in which existential self-determination and resistance to unification occur, and also determined the mechanism of identity formation through participation in collective forms of self-expression. In addition, key existential problems were identified, such as the search for authentic identity, resistance to social rejection and interaction with existential dilemmas of mass culture. The results obtained make a significant contribution to the development of the theory of youth subcultures, emphasizing their role in the formation of existential guidelines and cognitive practices. The author’s findings open a new direction in the study of the problems of identity and self-determination of youth groups in the context of postmodern changes.