Yoga : a growing subculture

Abstract

Yoga has expanded in popularity in recent years and has gained a reputation as a way to alleviate stress and maintain wellbeing (Thompson et al., 2017). This dissertation attempts to unravel subcultural elements that may exist within the Yoga community in Malta. It strives to examine the factors that influence and motivate young Maltese and non-Maltese yoga practitioners in Malta to begin and continue the practice. Moreover, it explores if yoga had any effect on the research participants' lives and how have their lives changed since they started the practice. In addition, the participants' commitment to yoga and its supporting community was also analysed. The study applied a qualitative approach. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with six yoga practitioners aged between 18 to 30 years of age residing in Malta. Thematic analysis was used to analyse and interpret the data. Findings reveal that yoga has indeed, subcultural elements and practitioners show a strong commitment to their practice. Furthermore, yoga and meditation techniques have an impact on the wellbeing of young yoga practitioners. This study concludes with implications for future research, youth policy and youth work practice.