Making Space for Youth Culture History: Berlin's Archiv der Jugendkulturen

No Thumbnail Available
File version
Author(s)
Barrett, Christine
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
2018
Size
File type(s)
Location
License
Abstract

Berlin’s Archiv der Jugendkulturen (Archive of Youth Cultures) was opened in 1998 to provide scholars, journalists, students, and other interested parties with a dedicated space to research youth culture topics. Founder and journalist Klaus Farin, frustrated with the often negative depictions of young people in the mainstream media, hoped the archive’s materials would act as a corrective to such stereotypes. However, the archive has come to mean much more. This article argues that this unique space not only provides invaluable and rare resources but is both a symbolic and physical manifestation of Germany’s youth culture history. As such, it is an innovative site for the nation’s social memory. Since the archive is located in Kreuzberg, the city’s historic heart of bohemian culture, special attention is paid to Berlin’s long-standing reputation as an “alternative city” popular with young people interested in underground culture. Furthermore, this essay stresses the importance of this history- and memory-oriented space in connection with a recent “historic turn” in youth studies.

Journal Title

Space and Culture

Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume
Issue
Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement
Item Access Status
Note

This publication has been entered into Griffith Research Online as an Advanced Online Version.

Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject

Other history, heritage and archaeology not elsewhere classified

Persistent link to this record
Citation
Collections