Key research themes
1. How do Red and Anarchist Skinheads construct their identity and ideological stance within and against mainstream and far-right skinhead cultures?
This theme investigates the identity formation, ideological positioning, and cultural practices of Red and Anarchist skinheads, particularly their anti-racist orientation and political activism. It is crucial as it elucidates the internal diversity of the skinhead subculture beyond mainstream stereotypes, highlighting how left-wing and anti-fascist factions contest far-right domination within the scene and broader society.
2. In what ways can Red and Anarchist Skinheads be conceptualized as social movement organizations engaging in radical activism, and how do their dynamics inform broader theoretical frameworks on social movements and radicalism?
This theme focuses on contextualizing Red and Anarchist skinheads within social movement theory, analyzing their organizational structures, ideological frameworks, recruitment, and radical tactics. Understanding these dynamics is essential for integrating skinhead groups into social movement scholarship, highlighting their role in political contention and identity politics at the margins.
3. How should Red and Anarchist Skinheads be conceptually situated within or against frameworks of street gang, far-right group, and extremist youth group research?
This theme critically examines definitional and classificatory challenges in situating Red and Anarchist skinheads relative to similarly organized groups such as white power skinheads, alt-right gangs, and far-right extremist youth groups. Clarifying these boundaries matters for accurately understanding group dynamics, criminality, ideology, and informing law enforcement and policy responses.