Subcultures and Countercultures

Definition of Subculture

• Subculture: The culture of a meso-level subcommunity that differentiates itself from the dominant culture.
  • Meso-level denotes medium-size groups (e.g., communities, organizations, cities, states, clans, tribes).
  • Smaller than a nation but larger than a microculture.
  • Supports individuals throughout their entire lifespan.

Characteristics of Subcultures

• Culture: Ideas, values, beliefs, and rules of a society.
• Meso-Level Analysis: Population size between micro and macro levels.
• Subcommunity: A smaller community within a larger one (e.g., cities, states).
• Distinguishing Feature: Different from the dominant culture but shares some commonalities.
• Examples: Ethnic groups (Mexican-Americans), religious groups (Orthodox Jews in NYC), social classes (elite upper class).
• Longevity: Affects life on a much longer period than microcultures (e.g., Girl Scout troops, college sororities, boarding schools).

Tension and Conflict with Dominant Culture

• Dominant Group: Holds the power to set cultural expectations.
• Example: Some Mormons in the US practice polygamy, which is against the law in Utah.
• Legal Violations: Can lead to the emergence of countercultures.

Countercultures

• Definition: Group with expectations and values that strongly disagree with the main societal values.
• Example: Old Order Amish of Pennsylvania and Ohio.
  • Use horse-drawn wagons; rarely use electricity or modern technology.
  • Reject mainstream ideas and replace them with religious principles for a simpler lifestyle.

Summary

• Subcultures: Medium-sized community rules and ideas differing from the larger society, impacting life extensively.
• Countercultures: Groups with values and expectations strongly opposing dominant societal norms.