Subcultures and Countercultures

Definition of Subculture

• Subculture: Culture of a meso-level subcommunity distinguishing itself from the dominant culture of a larger society.
  • Meso-level: Medium-sized communities larger than microcultures but smaller than macro levels.
    • Examples: Communities, organizations, cities, states, clans, tribes.
• Subcultures share some aspects of the dominant culture but also have unique differences.
• Large enough to support individuals throughout their lifespan, unlike microcultures.

Comparison with Microculture

• Microculture: Affects only a small segment of a person’s life for a limited period.
  • Examples: Girl scout troops, college sororities, boarding schools.
• Subcultures impact one's life over a longer duration.

Examples of Subcultures

• Ethnic Groups: E.g., Mexican-Americans.
• Religious Groups: E.g., Orthodox Jews in New York City.
• Social Classes: E.g., Elite upper class.

Subcultures and Dominant Culture

• Subcultures may cause tension with the dominant group, which sets societal expectations.
• Example: Some Mormons in the U.S. practicing polygamy, which contradicts the dominant society's laws.

Counterculture

• Counterculture: A group with values and expectations that strongly disagree with those of the dominant society.
• Example: Old Order Amish of Pennsylvania and Ohio.
  • Characteristics: Use horse-drawn wagons, rarely use electricity or modern technology.
  • Reject mainstream cultural norms, replace them with religious values prioritizing a simpler lifestyle.

Summary

• Subcultures and countercultures provide diversity within a larger society but can create tension when their practices conflict with dominant societal norms.