Ethan Shapiro is a third-year sociology and psychology student. His sociological interests include consumption and inequality, cultural production, taste, and critical theory.
Ethan Shapiro
Ethan Shapiro
Could you please tell us about your project?
My research examines hipsters as members of a struggling middle-class who produce niche goods and services to navigate neoliberal austerity. I demonstrate that some hipsters see themselves as creative entrepreneurs who resist conventional forms of employment for more ‘authentic’ and self-expressive endeavours. However, they also rebrand self-exploitation and precarity as personal growth.
What motivated you to study hipster culture?
As a person regularly accused of being a hipster – I’m bearded, I drink craft beer, and sport the occasional flannel – this topic came naturally to me. I wanted to uncover what hipster taste teaches us about broader socio-economic and political trends, especially in the realms of class and gender.
What was the most challenging part of your project?
The most challenging part of this project was re-evaluating the focus and theoretical orientation of my research in light of emergent data, which resulted in several ‘final’ drafts. Nevertheless, this process was rewarding as I could contribute an original perspective on a contemporary and understudied social trend.
What have you learnt from doing this research?
This project allowed me to strengthen many research skills, including analyzing discourse, summarizing previous literature, and drawing sociological insights from the critical analysis of everyday phenomena. I also had the wonderful opportunity of presenting my work at the Sociology Undergraduate Research Conference. I developed my presentations skills from that experience. I am also motivated to do more research.
What would you tell undergraduate students interested in research?
For other undergraduates interested in independent research, I would recommend finding a topic that resonates with you and sparks curiosity. Researching has helped me develop tools to view the world critically, and I hope it can do the same for others.
