Thesis- Finalized Idea

After much thought and initial research, I have decided to go examine deeper the idea of retro culture, and why my generation, Gen Z, is so infatuated with the culture before us. To do this I will have to exam what aspects of retro culture are returning to the 21st century, and why. I will also look at previous generations and see if they have also had this same rinse and repeat mentality. Here is my initial Thesis Proposal Document.

Title: The Revival of Retro 

Overview:

My interests and hobbies are heavily influenced by retro and nostalgic elements such as fashion, technology, and music. I have noticed that in today’s culture, we are also very inspired by trends ranging from the 70s to the 90s. Using this knowledge, I want to look at why retro culture is making a return in the 21st century. I will analyze what aspects of retro culture are returning and why my generation, Gen Z, is so infatuated with nostalgia. I will be researching trends such as technology, fashion, and music that all have made a resurface and influence during today’s culture. I believe that because of resources like the internet, old trends will have increasing rates of exposure. Many people will continue to revamp other generations and be inspired by their styles. 

My focus:

My main focus will be to examine what retro trends are being revived, and analyze why Generation Z is prone to reliving the past. I want to understand why Generation Z experiences a sense of nostalgia when it comes to these old trends and will this cycle continue. 

Objectives/ Questions: 

• Will this rinse and repeat pattern happen again with the next generation?

• What dictates which aspects of retro trends get to come back versus others?

• Are companies/ industries able to be revived thanks to the growing community of those who use these trends?

• How do companies today keep up with this growing amount of those who support old trends?

• How does the gen z generation feel nostalgic about something they were not around to experience it? Does this sense of nostalgia differ between those who have lived it and those who have imagined it?