Understanding National Societies and Subcultures

National Society

• A population of people within a specified geographic area.
• Connected by common ideas and work toward common goals.
• Contains smaller groups such as:
  • Ethnic groups
  • Regional groups
  • Tribal subcultures

Subculture

• Culture of a smaller community distinct from the dominant culture.
• Examples in the United States:
  • National society with its own culture.
  • Different cities, regions, and states have unique subcultures.

Example: Jim's Experience from Florida to Washington D.C.

• Background:
  • Jim has lived in Florida his entire life.
  • Moves to Washington D.C. for college, notices many differences.

Differences in Daily Life

• Transportation:
  • In D.C., biking is common due to proximity and efficiency.
  • Florida's spread-out geography means more reliance on cars.
• Pedestrian Considerations:
  • In D.C., pedestrians have the right of way, unlike in Florida.

Challenges and Adaptations

• Parking:
  • Lack of parking lots in D.C.
  • Learning to parallel park becomes essential.
  • Experience with parking meters.
• Dining Out:
  • Difficulty finding parking drives Jim and his wife to use alternative transportation like the metro and circulator bus.

Conclusion

• Cultural Differences:
  • Subcultures in different cities offer unique experiences.
  • Encouragement to reflect on personal experiences and regional subcultures.

Reflection

• Consider the different places visited and the cultural differences noticed.
• Recognize unique subcultures resulting from regional characteristics.