Part-time student, full-time stand-out: a case study on the effects of two alternative lifestyles and subcultures on the time use of college students.

Abstract

The young generation is adventurous and very eager. Especially due to the drive to find something which will allow them to fully express themselves, the youth begin to search venues in which they could belong. Subcultures and alternative lifestyles offer the most accessible way of finding identity, expressing oneself, and sharing interests with fellow enthusiasts. In the Philippines, specifically in Metro Manila, two subcultures exist among many others: Hiphop and Cosplaying.

This research has been conducted to study the youth's membership to such subcultures at a stage where many other factors - such as other existing priorities and relationships-are affected. Discussed were the involved youth's personal definitions of the subculture/lifestyle, how these emerged and continue to occur, and what effects these bring. Information was gathered to encourage a formulation of ways in which the youth may continue to healthily engage in such subcultures without putting to risk their studies and relationships.

The research involved focused case studies of four (4) individuals; two from the hiphop subculture, and two from the cosplaying subculture. In-depth interviews were conducted to all four respondents and survey questionnaires were also given to be accomplished. These questionnaires involved the domains selected from the College Adjustment Scale ( CAS): academic problems, anxiety, interpersonal problems, career problems, and self esteem.