Introduction
Today, let’s get back to the topic and take a look at what subcultures are. Ever felt like you don’t quite fit into the mainstream? Maybe you’ve got a passion for something that seems a bit offbeat or out of the ordinary—whether it’s punk rock, skateboarding, or even knitting those quirky, oversized sweaters. If so, you might be part of a subculture, a world within a world where people connect over shared interests, values, and ways of life that differ from the broader society. Subcultures are the spice that keeps our culture from being a bland, uniform experience. They’re where creativity, rebellion, and identity come together to form something truly unique.
What Exactly Is a Subculture?
So, what are subcultures anyway? In simple terms, a subculture is a group of people who share distinct values, beliefs, and behaviors that set them apart from the larger culture around them. They’re like mini societies within the broader society, with their own rules, rituals, and often their own style.
Take, for example, the punk subculture that emerged in the 1970s. Punks rejected the mainstream norms and values of the time, opting instead for a DIY ethic, loud music, and fashion that was all about making a statement—ripped clothes, safety pins, and mohawks. But subcultures aren’t just about fashion or music. They’re about identity and belonging. They offer people a way to express who they are and what they believe in, often in opposition to mainstream cultural norms.
How Subcultures Came to Be
Subcultures often arise as a reaction to the dominant culture. When people feel marginalized or dissatisfied with mainstream society, they sometimes create their own cultural spaces where they can express their identities and values more freely. This is why subcultures are often associated with youth, as younger generations tend to be more critical of the status quo and more eager to carve out their own niches.
Historically, subcultures have emerged in times of social change or unrest. For example, the beatniks of the 1950s were a response to the rigid conformity and consumerism of post-war America. They rejected materialism in favor of spirituality, art, and alternative lifestyles. Similarly, the hippie subculture of the 1960s grew out of the civil rights movement and the counterculture’s opposition to the Vietnam War, emphasizing peace, love, and harmony with nature.
But subcultures aren’t always born from opposition. Sometimes, they emerge simply because people with similar interests and lifestyles come together to form a community. The goth subculture, for example, isn’t necessarily about rejecting mainstream culture but about embracing a shared love of dark, romantic aesthetics, music, and literature.
Subcultures vs. Culture: What’s the Difference?
Now, you might be wondering how subcultures differ from the broader culture they exist within. Culture, in a general sense, refers to the shared values, beliefs, and practices that define a society. It’s the big picture—the language we speak, the holidays we celebrate, the social norms we follow.
Subcultures, on the other hand, are like the brushstrokes that add detail and texture to that big picture. They’re smaller, more specific groups that have their own distinct identities and ways of life within the larger culture. While culture is something we’re all a part of, whether we realize it or not, subcultures are something we choose to be a part of, often because they reflect our personal values and interests more closely than the mainstream culture does.
One key aspect of subcultures is that they often exist in tension with the dominant culture. This doesn’t always mean outright conflict, but there’s usually a sense of difference or even rebellion. Subcultures challenge mainstream norms, offering alternative ways of living and thinking that can sometimes be at odds with the broader society.
Manifestation of Subcultures in Real Life
Subcultures manifest in countless ways in real life, from the clothes people wear to the music they listen to, the language they use, and even the places they hang out. Think of the skateboarding community, for instance. Skateboarders have their own style, slang, and social spaces (like skate parks), and they’ve developed a whole culture around their love for the sport. What started as a niche hobby has grown into a global subculture with its own media, brands, and even professional competitions.
The internet has also played a huge role in the proliferation of subcultures. Online communities allow people from all over the world to connect over shared interests, no matter how niche those interests might be. From anime fans to sneakerheads, there’s a subculture for just about anything you can think of, and the internet has made it easier than ever for these communities to thrive.
But subcultures aren’t just about having fun or expressing individuality—they can also be powerful tools for social change. The Black Lives Matter movement, for example, can be seen as a subculture that’s grown into a global force for racial justice. It started with a group of people who shared a common belief in the need to address systemic racism, and it’s since mobilized millions of people around the world to demand change.
The Impact of Subcultures
Subcultures can have a profound impact on both individuals and society as a whole. On a personal level, being part of a subculture can provide a sense of identity and belonging, especially for those who feel alienated or disconnected from mainstream society. It gives people a community where they can be themselves, explore their interests, and find support from like-minded individuals.
On a societal level, subcultures can influence the broader culture in significant ways. Many aspects of what we now consider “mainstream” culture began as part of a subculture. The grunge movement, for instance, started as an underground subculture in Seattle before it exploded into the mainstream in the early 1990s, influencing fashion, music, and attitudes across the globe.
Subcultures can also drive social change by challenging established norms and promoting alternative ways of thinking and living. They often serve as incubators for new ideas and movements that can eventually reshape the broader society. For example, the LGBTQ+ rights movement began as a subculture that challenged the dominant norms around gender and sexuality. Over time, it has led to significant changes in laws, attitudes, and social practices around the world.
However, the impact of subcultures isn’t always positive. Sometimes, subcultures can become exclusive or even harmful. For instance, some subcultures may promote extremist ideologies or engage in activities that are dangerous or illegal. Additionally, as subcultures grow in popularity, they can sometimes lose their original spirit as they become commercialized or co-opted by the mainstream.
Conclusion
Subcultures are an essential part of the cultural landscape, adding diversity, creativity, and often a healthy dose of rebellion to society. They offer individuals a way to express their identities, connect with others, and explore alternative ways of living. While they can sometimes exist in tension with the broader culture, they also have the power to influence and reshape that culture in meaningful ways. Whether you’re part of a subculture or just curious about them, it’s clear that subcultures play a vital role in keeping our world vibrant, dynamic, and ever-evolving.
References
Hebdige, D. (1979). Subculture: The meaning of style. Routledge.
Gelder, K. (2007). Subcultures: Cultural histories and social practice. Routledge.
Thornton, S. (1995). Club cultures: Music, media and subcultural capital. Wesleyan University Press.
Bennett, A., & Kahn-Harris, K. (2004). After subculture: Critical studies in contemporary youth culture. Palgrave Macmillan.
Haenfler, R. (2013). Subcultures: The basics. Routledge.