Mods vs Rockers: A Clash of Cultures

A divide that encompassed the youth of the 1960's, the Mod and Rocker subcultures defined a generation. With the continental-inspired Mods clashing with the Americanized Rockers, it’s unsurprising that it was this clash of cultures that sparked the term ‘moral panic.’ Divided over a range of issues, the Mods considered the Rockers to be ‘out of touch, oafish’ and ‘grubby,’ whilst the Rockers considered the Mods to be ‘weedy, effeminate snobs.’ 

Why was there such division?

Fashion:

Arguably the main distinction between the two dominating subcultures was the look. Style and sophistication was everything to the Mod subculture. Mods would often spend every penny they had spare on looking the part. Sporting tailored suits, skinny ties and pointed shoes, the Mods followed Italian and French fashions – spending much more money than the Rockers. Mods believed that they were much more in touch with the times than the Rockers were. On the other side was the Rockers. Looking towards America for their inspiration, the Rockers wore leather, studs and heavy boots. The style and attention to detail was important to the Mods in a way that it was not to the Rockers. Mods always had to look impeccable and could even be considered narcissistic, always being dressed for show.  

Mods were part of a 60s fashion revolution, whereas the Rockers were outcasts.

Music:

Making a conscious attempt to appear new, the Mods gravitated towards popular music and modern jazz. The main influential artists were David Bowie, Miles Davis and, most famously, The Who. Mods valued leisure over work and music was the main way that this was channelled. The Rockers took an almost romantic view of 1950s rock and roll and championed artists such as Elvis Presley and Gene Vincent. 

Drugs & Weapons: 

Physical clashes between the Mods and the Rockers were rare. However, when engaged in a fight, the Mods tended to carry pocket knives. The Rockers tended to be more aggressive with their choice of bike chains and bottles.

Amphetamines were the drug of choice for the Mods whilst Rockers favoured more traditional methods of drinking and smoking. 

Class?

Interestingly, class is one of the only areas in which the Mods and Rockers share a crucial link. Both gangs appeared to have working class origins. Whilst some of the Mods liked to describe themselves as ‘middle class,’ it was very rare that they actually were. The lifestyle of these subcultures provided an escape to a disillusioned generation. 

The Rockers represented everything that the Mods were against. They were sworn enemies. Interestingly, though the two subcultures were so different, both groups were rebels. They both chose to show their rebellion through the way they dressed, the music they listened to and the way they behaved. The Mods chose one path and the Rockers chose another. 

Sophie Worrall