Nightlife Culture

Through the years, the definition of identity has become sparse and difficult to characterize. However, identity has been associated with social category and socially distinguishing features that one presents to another person (Fearon, 1999; Clarke, 2011). Thus, without society, identity is non-existent even if the self is present as others need to be present in order for one to affirm and appropriate an identity to him/her self.

In several instances, I observed how clubbers create their persona by showing off branded clothes and shoes. In addition, their identities are also being crystallized through their actions inside and outside the club. During the first of my fieldworks for this research, a young gay, about 16 to 18 years old, was with

These different forms of capital – economic capital, social capital, cultural capital, and symbolic capitals – define a social space like the nightclub. Moreover, the interaction further legitimizes the different dimensions of socialization such as prestige and reputation of clubbers by regularly placing the act of clubbing in the centrality of their social lives. In addition, clubbing has become an ‘event’ or ‘occasion’ rather than a mere activity of personal gratification.

Based from the narratives and field work conducted, it was seen that nightlife culture is demonstrated and embodied by the people involved, the place or environment, the actions, symbols, rituals, as well as the interactions outside and inside the clubs. Nevertheless, it was seen that clubbing as a culture and individual activity is guided by and is dependent on the presence of the four types of capitals, namely economic, social, cultural, and symbolic

As observed in the field and through my interactions with the actors, clubbing could not happen without money (economic capital), social network (social capital), and knowledge about the clubs and clubbing (cultural capital). These are then expressed through and sometimes converted to symbolic capital that would become the individual’s source of prestige, honor or recognition when inside and outside the club. As mentioned above, a decline in the interest and participation however could occur if any of these capitals are not possessed by an avid clubber. This happens because of many reasons including work-related problems, financial problems, and relationship problems (family, friends, lovers, etc.), among