Youth, Class and Subcultures in Riots at the Bathurst Bike Races (From Youth Subcultures: Theory, History and the Australian Experience, P 92-98, 1993, Rob White, ed. -- See NCJ-162536)

• NCJ Number: 162550
• Author(s): C Cunneen; R Lynch
• Date Published: 1993
• Length: 7 pages
• Sale Source: National Clearinghouse for Youth Studies
• Publication Type: Historical Overview
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

Between the early 1960's and the middle 1980's, conflict occurred regularly between police officers and young people attending the Australian Grand Prix motorcycle races held in Bathurst, New South Wales.

Abstract

This conflict escalated to riot proportions in the 1980's and became a relatively predictable and expected part of the Easter races. Research conducted to identify causes of the rioting showed the conflict was rooted in working class backgrounds of the young people involved and in government responses to their leisure activities. Part of the structural basis for riots arose from the antipolice sentiment historically present in some working class traditions, and a similar sentiment was also present in motorcycle subcultures. At Bathurst, common sentiments of youth, class, and subculture intersected and were expressed violently. The authors believe the riots were historically shaped, rule-bound affairs with relatively clear meaning and purpose for those involved, and they recommend subculture and class and the efficacy of coercive control be considered in riot prevention. 8 references and 1 photograph