Subculture

Subculture is a group of people within a culture that differentiates itself from the parent culture to which it belongs, often maintaining some of its founding principles. Subcultures develop their own norms and values regarding cultural, political and sexual matters. Subcultures are part of society while distinctly separate from it. Examples of subcultures could include bikers, military culture, and hippies.

Definition

The concept of subculture was developed in sociology and cultural studies. Subcultures are defined as social groups that have a distinct style and identity, different from the mainstream of society, but which are not completely detached from it. In some cases, subcultures have been legislated against, and their activities are subject to various degrees of police control.

History

The study of subcultures often consists of the study of symbolism attached to clothing, music and other visible affectations by members of subcultures, and also the ways in which these same symbols are interpreted by members of the dominant culture. According to Dick Hebdige, members of a subculture often signal their membership through a distinctive and symbolic use of style, which includes fashions, mannerisms, and argot.

Types of Subcultures

There are many different types of subcultures, each with their own unique characteristics and traits. Some examples include:

• Counterculture: A counterculture is a subculture that rejects and opposes significant elements of the dominant culture. Examples include the hippie movement of the 1960s, the punk movement of the 1970s, and the hacker culture of today.

• Youth Subculture: Youth subcultures are often characterized by their association with a particular music genre, fashion style, or other cultural expression. Examples include the emo, goth, and hip-hop subcultures.

• Online Subculture: With the rise of the internet, many new subcultures have formed online. These can include fandoms, meme cultures, and various niche communities.

See Also

• Culture
• Counterculture
• Youth Subculture
• Online Subculture

Subculture Resources
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