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Bailey Coughlin
Parker
English 102
9 May 2015
The Bohemian Subculture
Known for their unconventional lifestyle, the Bohemian Subculture holds one of
the most uncommon ways of life still apart of society today. Full of love, music, and rich
culture, Bohemians were notorious for their unusual characteristics. Also known as
wanderers, adventurers, or vagabonds, (Subcultures) of an extreme extent,
permanent ties were fairly rare. Staying in one area for a large amount of time was not
typical as traveling held a large part of their daily routine. Due to this, most were able to
fit what belongings they owned into the pockets of their coats to have the ability to travel
at a moment's notice. Social values were not their concern. Their lives were carefree
events filled with drink merriment, the arts, and sexual freedom. They usually did not
work, but poured themselves into living solely for the sake of art and literature.
(Linforth)
ORIGINS
Originating from Bohemia, todays region in the Czech Republic, the subculture
first began during the 19th Century when the Roma people were forced to move from
their homes. Also known as gypsies from Western Europe, the Roma were

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a wandering people, who lived communally, generally did not possess permanent or
stationary jobs or homes, and for whom music, storytelling, and mystical arts were a
central part of their lifestyles. (Berman) Until they reached the Kingdom of Bohemia,
the Romas had difficulty finding land in which they were welcomed. A letter was given to
the Roma culture by the kingdom that stated the group was to be trusted and treated as
they would treat those from their own home. Rarely was this letter ever acknowledged
and they were still treated with no recognition and an immense lack of
respect. It was not until they reached France and the letter was handed over when they
finally found acceptance. Because these new inhabitants were considered strangers,
the French people chose to give them the title of Bohemians due to the letter being
sent from the Kingdom of Bohemia.
LIFE AND CAREERS
The men and women of this culture lived a rather eccentric life. They
chose to live outside of the social norm in order to follow their artistic passions. Working
at local cafes and libraries to be closer to the art was common. A bohemian's "job" was
the perfection of his literature or art. If a Bohemian wished to gain higher status it was
ideally through the pursuit of his passion. (Pursuit of Wealth) Appreciation for the arts,
free love, and open mindedness was required to be apart of this subculture. Unlike so
many, one was free to love who they chose no matter the race or gender. During this
time homosexuality was typically subsumed into Bohemian culture, and was not a
significant movement in itself. (Kasier) There are no real taboos, mores, or enforced
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sanctions in the Bohemian culture due to their dislike of authority and passing
judgement on others. (Non-Material Culture) The devotion to art and literature was so
immense, there was never any time to judge or worry about anyone other than
themselves. Whatever free moment available was used to focus on their passion and
career. Most chose to make their passion into their career. Approximately one of three
careers were chosen by a Bohemian; painters, writers, and students studying law,
medicine, and arts academics. The pay was not an issue since it allowed those to
spend their time focused on the material they cherished.
BROKEN DOWN
Though already known as a culture within another, many times were the
Bohemians chopped down into even smaller categories. Henri Murger, a French
novelist and poet, as well as believed to be one of the first of the Bohemians, classified
the group into three different divisions. Those being the: (1) Unknown Dreamers:
Amateur artists who do not seek publicity but expect it to come for them (2) Amateurs:
Those who have a steady income but chooses to live in Bohemia for the fun of it, and
(3) The Stalwart Official Bohemians: Must be known as an artist to the wider world;
though they are not making a lot of money, they are guided by ambition and expected to
soon be making it in the world of art. (Murger) Broken down even further, author
Laren Stover designed five alternative sections to divide the subculture into groups
based on a specific style or interest. The five groups were known as the Nouveaus,
Gypsies, Beats, Zens, and the Dandy. (1) Nouveaus: Bohemians with money who
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attempt to join traditional Bohemianism with contemporary culture. (2) Gypsies: The
expatriate types, they create their own Gypsy ideal of nirvana wherever they go. (3)
Beats: Also drifters, but non-materialist and art-focused. (4) Zen: Post-beat, focus on
spirituality rather than art. (5) Dandy: No money, but try to appear as if they have it by
buying displaying expensive or rare items- such as brands of alcohol. (Stover)
BELIEFS
Strong beliefs about life and how it was looked upon meant a great deal to the
subculture. Bohemianism was devised to not only be seen as a lifestyle but also as a
religion containing ideas of theology, ideology, mythology, and spirituality. A life was
believed to be a powerful gift created to be enjoyed and celebrated in divergent ways.
To make an impact on the world along with its inhabitants was a powerful objective in
any Bohemians lifetime, and meant to be met before their death was reached. The
Afterlife was said to be made up of the impacts the Bohemian had left on Earth, and
when they passed, their spirit would continue to live on in the hearts of those they had
touched. Before their death, works of art should have been created to inspire those who
were unable to be impacted by their lives.
IMPACT OF BOHEMIANISM
Many early writers of the 20th Century were a part of the Bohemian society.
Authors like Mark Twain and Ernest Hemingway were known to be genuinely
passionate about the subculture. With their talents, musicians, including Bob Dylan and

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Patti Smith, were able to shape the community we are apart of with their Bohemian
influence. Unfortunately the idea of Bohemianism has become commercialized for the
benefit of big businesses. Events like Coachella, an annual music festival, are primarily
focused on the profits gained from what has now become a national trend revolving
around the lifestyle. Like with all trends, the end will come, most will move on but the
true believers of the Bohemian subculture will continue on.

Works Cited
1. Linforth, Jennifer. Social Movements: The Bohemians. 29 Apr. 2008.
2. Subcultures List. Bohemianism 3 Jul. 2015. Web. 5 May 2015

3. Berman, Andrew. How Bohemians Got Their Name. New York:The Greenwich Village
Society for Historic Preservation, 2013
4. Cultural, Society And Creative Media. Subcultures-Bohemianism 25 Feb. 2012. Web. 5
May 2015
5. History of Bohemianism. Non-Material Culture Web. 5 May 2015
6. Kaiser, C (1997). The Gay Metropolis. New York: Harcourt Brace
7. Stover, Lauren (2004). Bohemian Manifesto: A Field Guide to Living on the Edge.
Bulfinch Press
8. How Bohemians Lived. Pursuit of Wealth