Raves and ecstasy use in Egypt: a subcultural paradigm

Abstract

This article aims to investigate the main aspects of the growing subculture of ecstasy (MDMA) users in Egypt. It criticizes post-modern theoretical orientations that devalue subcultural theories of deviance on the basis that they can no longer support an understanding of recreational substance use among youth today. Through ethnography and semi-structured interviews and observation, the social and subcultural use of the recently introduced psychoactive substance ecstasy is examined. Data reveals that ecstasy use takes place within a broader glocal subculture of drug use. A main conclusion from the data is that understanding the etiology of ecstasy use in Egypt needs a thorough understanding of its related youth subculture.

Key Words: Ecstasy; raves; ethnography; subculture; glocalization