Read: Barthes, The Fashion System, pp. 3-18 (Moodle article)
Hebdige, Subculture: The Meaning of Style
McCracken, Culture and Consumption, Chapter 4, pp. 57-70 (Moodle article)

1. What does Barthes mean by "image-clothing" and "written clothing"? How are they different? How do they both relate to and differ from "real clothing"?

2. Why does Barthes refer to "Fashion" with a capital "F"? Based on our earlier examination of the different ways theorists have defined fashion, which definition do you think he is using? What are the strengths or weaknesses of Barthes' definition?

3. Based on these readings, what is the semiotic study of fashion? How does it compare to a sociological study of fashion? What are the advantages and disadvantages of a semiotic approach?

4. How does Hebdige apply Barthes' semiotic approach to read the meaning of punk style? How might Hebdige respond to McCracken's critique of semiotics?

5. How is punk a form of motivated communication? What role do the concepts of bricolage, homology, "generative set," polysemy, signifying practice, noise, and floating play in Hebdige's reading of punk style?

6. How, according to Hebdige, does a subculture relate to a parent culture? To what extent is style a successful form of resistance?

7. Why does McCracken say that language is an inappropriate metaphor for understanding clothing? Do you agree with his argument?

For more information, contact:  aleshkow@holycross.edu