New writing on the wall: Exploring the middle‐class graffiti writing subculture

Abstract

This study examines the qualitative characteristics and determinants of middle‐class graffiti writers and their subculture. Detailed observations and interviews were conducted with 58 suburban graffiti writers over a period of 5 months (November 1992 to March 1993). Results suggest that graffiti writing subcultures, once thought to be limited to lower‐class communities, are not class‐specific. Similarities between lower‐ and middle‐class graffiti writers were discovered: These included the quest for fame, the nature of criminal activity, and intergroup relations with street gangs. On the other hand, suburban graffiti writers appear to have developed unique subcultural identities, career paths, and self‐images. Substantive implications of these findings, with regard to culture conflict and cultural rebellion rationales of graffiti writing, are discussed.

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