Expression Through Oppression - The evolution of dancehall culture and identity

This dissertation aims to explore the subculture of dancehall and the elements of style that signify its members. This dissertation looks at the rich tapestry of Jamaican music, fashion and society. It argues that what sets dancehall apart from other street style cultures is a legacy of oppression and marginalisation through slavery, colonialism and post-colonial politics. It examines how, for over two centuries, marginalised Jamaicans have used adornment, appearance, dance and music as a form of resistance against oppression and how dancehall culture has grown globally and challenges Jamaica’s racial and social hierarchy through body modification, fashion and music.