Hodkinson Critical Review

Hodkinson studied the seemingly translocal nature of the Goth scene, specifically looking at different areas of Great Britain. Whereas many scenes can be differentiated based on its specific locale, the Goth scene is fairly similar in many varying areas. While there were some things that were specific to each place, perhaps a certain item of clothing or a band, it was mostly because that had been available and would soon become available elsewhere. Hodkinson attributed these findings to Goth's travel patterns, commerce, and media usage.

Goths would often come together, mixing styles and influences, in large festivals such as the Whitby Gothic Weekend. The weekend would offer the opportunity for Goths to meet other Goths, buy clothing from vendors hailing from different places, and sampling all the Gothic bands that were playing. Other than festivals, Goths were travelling searching for other Goths and Goth scenes. They seem to enjoy the variety, but are looking to be with others like themselves, since Hodkinson found that they felt more akin to other Goths than to others from their own locales. They would find out about other scenes, shows, and activities through flyers, discussion forums, and word of mouth. The growth of forums and communication online seems to be adding to the idea that Goth is extremely translocal, but also is slowing down the actual face to face interactions of Goths.

Question: The internet can allow for people to share their scene around the world with all kinds of locals. But is it actually a "scene" of people all experiencing and sharing in the same styles and influences if they never actual come together to experience each other's local scenes and styles, hear their music, or actual meet?