ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses metalheads' ties to family and community. Family life can be problematic and alienating not only for adolescents, but for their parents as well. Given the pervasiveness of the theme of alienation in heavy metal music, it will come as no surprise that many of the adolescents who like heavy metal are unhappy with their family relationships, express negative attitudes toward school, and tend to be cynical about politics and religion. Before describing the particular characteristics of the families of the boys in the study, some general remarks are warranted concerning parents and socialization. Divorce makes it all the more difficult for parents to exercise credible authority over their children. From the metalheads' descriptions of their family lives, it is evident that witnessing family conflict and divorce has contributed to their alienation and cynicism. The socialization that occurs in the family is heavily influenced by the characteristics of the cultural belief system.
