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Cosplay: an Ethnographic Study of Subculture and Escape

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Cosplay: an Ethnographic Study of Subculture and Escape Cosplay: An Ethnographic Study of Subculture and Escape Adele Celia Mason-Bertrand A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy The University of Sheffield Faculty of Social Sciences Department of Sociological Studies August 2018 DECLARATION This research is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council 1+3 Award, grant number: 139410918 This thesis is my own work, aside from where indicated and has not been submitted for any other degree or professional qualification. Adele Celia Mason-Bertrand Sheffield, August 2018 Acknowledgements First of all, I would like to thank my supervisors, Alex Dennis and Tom Clark for their help in guiding me through this project. You both provided me with the freedom to make this research project my own and supported me every step of the way. I would also like to thank my examiners Gaynor Bagnall and Clive Norris who encouraged me to showcase my ethnography to its fullest. Thank you to all my friends and family who have supported me along the way. Dad who has always held an unwavering belief in me. As well as Nadine who provided me with countless cups of tea and always made herself available to listen to my rants. And to mum who first inspired me to do a PhD. A special thank you goes to Lewis who has been a constant source of love, patience and encouragement. To Dee for all your lovely messages. To Holly for making me take breaks which undoubtably kept me sane throughout the process. And to Chris for your invaluable advice and for always cheering me on. Finally thank you to all the participants who made this project possible. The photographers and members of wider geek subcultures, who took the time to introduce me to your worlds. And of course, to all the cosplayers who shared your stories with me, thank you for making me feel welcome within your subculture. Contents Abstract ................................................................................................................................................... 8 Chapter One: Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 9 The Research ..................................................................................................................................... 19 Outline of the Thesis ......................................................................................................................... 20 Chapter Two: Literature Review ........................................................................................................... 22 Understandings of Cosplay ............................................................................................................... 22 The History of Cosplay-1900s ........................................................................................................... 24 1930s-1960s ...................................................................................................................................... 27 1908s ................................................................................................................................................. 27 1990s- Current Day ........................................................................................................................... 28 Cosplay Verses Fancy Dress .............................................................................................................. 30 Subcultural Theory ................................................................................................................................ 35 Origins of the Term Subculture ......................................................................................................... 35 Strain Theory ..................................................................................................................................... 37 The Birmingham School .................................................................................................................... 38 Post-Subcultural Thought ................................................................................................................. 40 Contemporary Subcultural Work ...................................................................................................... 42 Defining Subculture .............................................................................................................................. 44 Cosplay as a Subculture ........................................................................................................................ 45 Authenticity........................................................................................................................................... 47 Subcultural Capital ............................................................................................................................ 50 Definition of Cosplay ............................................................................................................................. 52 Literature on Cosplay ............................................................................................................................ 53 Descriptive Accounts of Cosplay ....................................................................................................... 53 Theoretical Work on Cosplay ............................................................................................................ 54 Empirical Work on Cosplay ............................................................................................................... 55 Theoretical Framework ......................................................................................................................... 59 Overview of Escape Attempts ........................................................................................................... 59 Escape Attempts and Cosplay ........................................................................................................... 62 Testing Escape Attempts ................................................................................................................... 63 Summary ............................................................................................................................................... 64 Chapter Three: Methods and Methodology ......................................................................................... 66 The Research Setting ............................................................................................................................ 66 The Participants .................................................................................................................................... 67 Methodological Approach .................................................................................................................... 69 Ethnography ...................................................................................................................................... 70 Looking in .......................................................................................................................................... 71 Becoming a Cosplayer ........................................................................................................................... 71 Choosing a Character ........................................................................................................................ 72 First Day Cosplaying .......................................................................................................................... 73 Reflections on My First Experience Cosplaying ................................................................................ 76 Regularly Cosplaying ............................................................................................................................. 77 Cosplaying with a Group ................................................................................................................... 79 Cosplay and my Everyday Life ........................................................................................................... 80 Talk in Action ......................................................................................................................................... 83 Interviews.............................................................................................................................................. 84 Digital Media ......................................................................................................................................... 86 The Data ................................................................................................................................................ 87 Analysis ................................................................................................................................................. 88 Ethics ..................................................................................................................................................... 90 Leaving the Field ................................................................................................................................... 92 Summary ............................................................................................................................................... 95 Chapter Four: Cosplay and Community ...............................................................................................
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