Street Culture: 50 Years of Subculture Style

Youth Cults is an insider’s eye view of modern counterculture tribes. Beginning with the Beatniks and Hippies, leading up to Scene Kids and Metalheads, Youth Cults documents an evolving tradition of alternative street culture, of dedicated followers, with unique credos as fervently felt by their disciples as those of any religious or political affiliation.

While the colourful plumage of such "cults" – whether Mods, Punks or Skinheads – are familiar to many, few outsiders understand the rhyme and reason that hold them together. Youth Cults details the origins, ethos and aspirations of each subculture, capturing the passion that draws devotees to these colourful cabals. Each tribe has complex codes that determine not just dress and music, but impact upon choices regarding transport, drink, drugs, sexual politics, religion and careers.

Youth Cults offers an incisive guide to the minds behind the outlandish hairstyles. In this "warts and all" approach, Gavin Baddeley engages with the more controversial aspects of each subject, but also the positive characteristics often overlooked by mainstream critics. Youth Cults not only explores the roots of these style tribes, putting each into historical and cultural context, but also celebrates the phenomenon as an expression of individualism that goes far beyond mere teen rebellion.