Abstract:
The research study focused on the categorization of adolescents into subcultures that are becoming popular nowadays. The study’s objectives are the following: to find out what are the most
popular subcultures present in urban slum areas, to determine who influences the young people to
categorize into subcultures, to know what factors are involved in the youth’s categorization into
subcultures and to determine its possible effects to adolescent social behavior. A quantitative research
method was utilized to assess influences, reasons and effects of categorization into popular subcultures
among the respondents. A survey instrument was designed and used to measure the relationship of the
significant variables such as social markers and image, interests and values, social behavior, social
membership and socio-demographic factors to teenager subcultures. Subjects were a total of 44 adolescents (22 = males; 22 = females) whose age bracket ranges from 12 to 18 years old and were residents of four selected barangays in Paco, Manila. The study found out that gangster subculture is the
most popular subculture that respondents identify themselves with. Gangster or gangsta is usually
associated with gang-like behaviors ranging from group singing rap songs on the streets to riots, saksakan,
gulo or fights with other gangsters and with inside activities such as “snatching” (stealing), committing
prohibited sexual acts and being drug dependents. This finding is supported by a similar study done by
Jocano (2002) which found out that street corner gangs ages 15 to 35 have the same characteristics as the
gangster youth. “Emo”, conio and rakista subcultures were also identified as other popular subcultures.
The “emo” subculture is described as the slang word for emotional, a music genre, a fashion style or a
way of expression of feelings, attitude of depression and heartaches. Those respondents who embrace
these subcultures stated both positive and alarming negative impacts to them. Also, the influences of
friends and self-decision were important factors on the adolescent’s decision to join a particular
subculture or not.
