Boy Racer Culture: Youth, Masculinity and Deviance

Research output: Book/ReportBook

20 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

On the public roads boy racers are a foreboding presence, viewed with suspicion and derision by the ‘respectable’ motorist. The problem of the young (male) driver is one which has plagued authorities and governments due to youths’ acclaimed propensity to engage in deviant and dangerous driving behaviours. Boy Racer Culture sheds light on the boy racer phenomenon through ethnographic research with the notorious ‘Bouley Basher’ culture in the city of Aberdeen, Scotland, and the moral panic on the part of outside groups including the local community, police, politicians and media. This book examines the creation of masculine and feminine identities in a traditionally male-dominated subculture through car-related rituals such as ‘modding’, subcultural media and events, and the quest for celebrity status via public performances. Boy Racer Culture challenges common misconceptions surrounding the boy racer, the ‘problematic’ young (male) motorist and the car modifier. It will be essential reading for an international audience including sociologists and criminologists, particularly those with an interest in youth culture, subcultures, moral panics, car culture, anti-social behaviour, and the governance and policing of the roads.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationLondon
PublisherRoutledge
Number of pages208
ISBN (Electronic)9780203083314
ISBN (Print)9781843929857
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 8 Feb 2013

Publication series

NameRoutledge Advances in Ethnography
PublisherTaylor & Francis

Keywords

  • boy racers
  • ethnography
  • deviance
  • automobility
  • youth

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