Resistance and cultural industry in Neoliberal times

The case of Mexican Hip Hop Youngsters

Abstract

The aim of this article is to explore the experience of some young men related to Hip Hop culture within a neoliberal context that restricts educational and employment opportunities. This context limits the construction of significant projects outside the market and consumption logics. Through a field research that includes in-depth interviews with five youngsters, as well as informal conversations, participant observation, analysis of the movement’s cultural productions, and the involvement of one of the authors of this text as a member of the movement, we found a tension between resistance and criticism of the system and the necessary linkage to the cultural market in order to publicize their messages and practices. There are some way outs to this tension, which lead to an entrepreneurship that does not deny criticism and resistance.