As Hebdige describes the dress code worn by a particular subculture as not necessarily representing attire worn as an absolute necessity dictated by abject poverty, but rather representing “relative poverty” with comparison to the dominant capitalist culture. With this considered their presentation of themselves represents a choice to disassociate themselves from this dominant culture. The concept of subculture thereby relate closely to the concept of class like it is described in Bordieu, not represented entirely in terms of economic status. There is a degree of choice and performance which goes into the establishment of identity that dictates one to be the member of subculture or social class, as both are social divisions.
This notion can be seen in John Lennon’s release of his single, “Working Class Hero,”in 1971. At this point he had finished his career with the Beatles, was by no means struggling financially or employed beyond his music career. Even though he was a multi-millionaire, hardly what most outside perspectives would label as “working class” and hardly leading a lifestyle that most working class individuals would relate to, his association with the working class is purposeful and shows that what it means to be working class is more than just an economic position but also a set of values that a person lives by.
This theme is frequently represented by musicians as they contend that although their musical success has led to financial upward mobility and career success, they remain connected to their former class, subculture, or cultural roots. They “remember where they came from.”
Another great example can be seen as Jennifer Lopez is eager to insist she is still loyal to her roots and same person she was before her success as she was growing up in the Bronx. She tells listeners, “I’m still, I’m still Jenny from the block / Used to have a little, now I have a lot / No matter where I go, I know where I came from.”
Feel free to post with more songs that you guys can think illustrate or expand on this element of subcultures and taste!
Meaning and Pleasure2014 
This reminds me of a conversation I had with someone about country music. Country music stars sing songs about “country life” and borrow the blue collar persona. Yet, how many of them are really living a lifestyle that reflects what they sing? I’m not very familiar with country music, (I would never associate myself with that honky tonk noise! *Bourdieu – cough, cough*), but I get a sense that many of the popular artists are living very well. But, like you question, can one choose a class to associate with? It’s a lot like Hebdige’s point about middle class kids dressing punk – they sympathize with the lower class and take part in the culture. I think, as you suggest, this can apply to other areas like musicians and their claim to lower class backgrounds. I think this is what Bourdieu kind of misses – he doesn’t account for subculture and the desire to break pre-determined social classes, especially going from high to low. Interesting post and great points for discussion!
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I read this post and the first thing that popped into my mind was the reincarnation of Christ herself, Beyonce. She doesn’t necessarily come at it from the social class standpoint, but in several of her songs she is very adamant about reminding herself and her fans of where she came from (Houston) and how that place was where she started. In “Run the World (Girls):” “This is how they made me/ Houston, Texas baby.” Countdown: “London speed it up/ Houston rock it.” Flawless remix: “I’m Texas forever like Bombay” to name a few. Even though she’s Beyonce and basically owns everyone, she seems to stay very connected to where she came from.
Wow total fangirl post. Sorry about that.
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