Straightedge youth

Emerging from the American punk rock scene of the early 1980s, straightedge youth have significantly influenced American youth culture for over twenty-five years. Known for their strong opposition to drinking, drug use, and casual sex, as well as their commitment to vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, straightedge youth have received limited scholarly attention, often within the broader context of punk rock. Robert T. Wood provides the first comprehensive theoretical exploration of straightedge culture. Utilizing interviews with founding members and current adherents, along with content analysis of music lyrics and straightedge "zines," Wood situates the movement within contemporary subcultural theory and cultural studies. He identifies straightedge as a dynamic movement with evolving cultural boundaries, examining how the diverse and often contradictory self-understandings of its members have shaped its development. The book delves into the complexities of the subculture, tracing its origins in Washington, D.C., the emergence of various factions, and the integration of animal rights and vegetarianism. This work serves as an excellent introduction for those interested in the sociology of punk rock and its subcultures, and it is a valuable resource for sociologists and straightedge supporters alike.