what is a skinhead

A skinhead is a member of a subculture that originated among working-class youths in London, England, in the 1960s, characterized by close-cropped or shaven heads and working-class clothing such as Dr. Martens and steel-toe work boots, braces, high-rise and varying length straight-leg jeans, and button-down collar shirts, usually slim fitting in check or plain. The skinhead subculture reflects a broad spectrum of political beliefs, even as many continue to embrace it as a largely apolitical working-class movement. However, some skinheads are associated with neo-Nazi or white supremacist beliefs and are involved in violent and criminal activities. The skinhead subculture originated in the UK and soon spread to other parts of the world, with a second working-class skinhead movement emerging worldwide in the late 1970s. By the 1990s, neo-Nazi skinhead movements existed across all of Europe and North America, but were counterbalanced by the presence of groups such as Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice which sprung up in response.