Soldier, sailor, rebel, rule-breaker: masculinity and the body in the German far right. Issue 2 (23rd February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Miller-Idriss, Cynthia
• Is Part Of: Gender and education. Volume 29:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 199
• Page End: 215
• Publication Date: 2017-02-23
• Subjects: Sociology -- masculinities -- identities -- nationalities -- materiality -- embodiment -- Western Europe; Sex discrimination in education -- Periodicals; Sex role -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Women -- Education -- Periodicals; Discrimination sexuelle en éducation -- Périodiques; Rôle selon le sexe -- Périodiques; Femmes -- Éducation -- Périodiques; 379.26
• DOI: 10.1080/09540253.2016.1274381
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-0253

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Drawing on a unique digital archive of thousands of images of far right symbols and commercial products in Germany, combined with 62 interviews conducted with German youth and their teachers in 2013–2014, this article examines young Germans' sense of style and their interpretation of far right-wing symbols and codes in commercial products, clothing, and tattoos. The article focuses on the role that perceptions of masculinity and body image play in the appeal of clothing brands and styles popular with the far right. The analytical focus is on two iconographical tropes – the soldier/sailor and the rebel/rule-breaker – as devices that help articulate how a hegemonic far right version of masculinity is inscribed through male bodies. The article thus identifies subcultural style as a key mechanism through which masculinity and nationalism are linked and mutually reinforced.