Fashion and style as a form of social and cultural expression in South Africa

Research Paper (postgraduate) , 2011 , 12 Pages , Grade: 85%

Communications - Intercultural Communication

This paper examines choices in fashion and style as social and cultural expressions. It analyses the ghetto fabulous style, the influence of films as well as changes in clothing associated with reaching maturity. Furthermore, it takes a look at the influence of the Springbok rugby team's fan jerseys and subcultural styles.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Local Traditions
• OUTH AFRICA
• BOOM SHAKA

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This text explores the role of fashion and style as a form of social and cultural expression in South Africa, focusing on how clothing choices reflect and shape identities within a diverse and evolving society.

• The impact of fashion on identity formation and self-expression
• The influence of media culture and consumerism on fashion trends
• The role of fashion in challenging racial and socioeconomic divisions
• The use of fashion as a tool for empowerment and liberation
• The complexities of sexualization and objectification in the context of fashion

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The introduction establishes the significance of clothing in human culture and how fashion has become a potent tool for social and cultural expression in modern societies. The text then delves into the specific context of South Africa, highlighting the role of fashion in shaping identities within a society marked by racial and socioeconomic divisions.

The chapter titled "Local Traditions" explores the concept of "coconut identity," which refers to young black South Africans who embrace Western fashion and lifestyles. It examines how fashion choices contribute to the construction of racial and class-based identities, challenging stereotypes associated with township culture.

The section "OUTH AFRICA" further examines how fashion transcends socioeconomic boundaries, with magazines like "True Love" showcasing high fashion and challenging preconceived notions about spaces within South African communities.

The chapter "BOOM SHAKA" focuses on the group's fashion choices and their influence on young South Africans. It highlights how their revealing clothing and provocative style contributed to the sexualization of women in South African society.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

Fashion, style, social expression, cultural identity, South Africa, race, class, modernity, consumerism, media culture, empowerment, liberation, sexualization, objectification, township culture, coconut identity, Loxion Kulcha, Boom Shaka.

• College: Monash University, South Africa Campus (Monash University)
• Course: Communications & Cultural Studies
• Grade: 85%
• Author: Thuthula Namhla Dlepu (Author)
• Publication Year: 2011
• Pages: 12
• Catalog Number: V307062
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668055278
• ISBN (Book): 9783668055285
• Language: English
• Tags: ghetto fabulous, social and cultural expression, fashion statement