Flying my Freak Flag: A Grounded Theory of Oppositional Crowd Identity Development
Open Access
- Author:
- Pezalla, Anne E
- Graduate Program:
- Human Development and Family Studies
- Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Document Type:
- Dissertation
- Date of Defense:
- January 07, 2011
- Committee Members:
- Fred W Vondracek, Dissertation Advisor/Co-Advisor
Fred W Vondracek, Committee Chair/Co-Chair
Sherry Erhard Corneal, Committee Member
Michael J Rovine, Committee Member
Michelle E Day, Committee Member - Keywords:
- peer crowds
oppositional groups
adolescent identity
identity development - Abstract:
- Affiliating with a peer crowd in adolescence is an important step in identity development. Yet the role of oppositional crowds in identity development has not been assessed. The current study addressed this gap in the literature by focusing on the Goth, Punk, and Emo crowds. Using processes of analytical induction, the current study analyzed interview and observational data from 16 ninth- through twelfth-grade adolescents who self-identified as Goth, Punk, or Emo, and generated a grounded theory of oppositional crowd identity development that includes phases of exploration, commitment, constriction, and reconsideration. This theory suggests that a period of exploration precedes a commitment to oppositional crowd ideals, characterized by unique styles of dress, musical tastes, and ideological worldviews, as well as self-injurious behaviors. These commitments appeared to serve a variety of functional purposes, albeit short-lived ones. When oppositional crowd identity commitments began to be seen as unoriginal, feelings of constriction arose. Those feelings, coupled with shifts in popular culture, increased school-based extracurricular involvement, and self-esteem, prompted a reconsideration of oppositional crowd commitments. These findings offer a framework for understanding the dynamic and multidimensional qualities of oppositional crowds. They also complement recent efforts, guided by the developmental contextual framework, to expand the traditional identity status paradigm. Findings encourage further testing and refinement of this model on other oppositional crowds, and call for greater scaffolding and support for their devotees.