Critical Review #2: Hodkinson 2004

Hodkinson, Paul. "Translocal Connections in the Goth Scene."
from: Bennett, Andy and Richard A. Peterson. ed. Music Scenes: Local, Translocal, and Virtual. Vanderbilt University Press; Nashville. 2004. 131-148.

In this piece, Hodkinson focuses on what he terms the "abstract" and the "concrete" areas of the goth scene, and how both demonstrate the translocality that this group possesses. During an ethnographic study in Britain, an abstract connection he found was that goths had similar attitudes and tastes toward both the glamorous and macabre. In addition, many valued the same subcultural capital, as evidenced by the concrete evidence found in the number of identical articles of clothing or cds that the goths owned.

Furthermore, Hodkinson emphasizes the fact that although there are slight differences between goths from specific areas, their similarities trump all. They do not discriminate against goths who are not from their town. In fact, many agreed that they would like to meet non-local goths, which is evident due to the success of the Whitby Gothic Weekend in uniting goths from all different areas around Britain.

Discussion Question:
Has the "fanzine" lost all of its popularity? Is the internet completely responsible for the demise of the fanzine? What are some negative consequences of losing this media item?