A subculture is a group of individuals who adhere to a culture that differs from the prevailing culture in a particular society. Subcultures emphasize the generational divide between young and parental cultures. Thus, subcultures point to problems in the institutional environment, which serves as the foundation of social structure itself. They are forced to participate in an institutional environment that they did not build. Subcultures acknowledge their inherent inadequacy by separating from the dominant culture. They are the unavoidable byproducts of the capitalism system's disputes. Subcultures indicate a time when individuals are confronted with the realities of social immobility within their society. Their lack of economic power cripples their basic need to live a productive life. They are not permitted to participate in the creation of their future, culture, or community.
Economic difficulties infiltrate our community via subcultures, social movements, and associated social phenomena. Students, young employees, and other young adults are losing power. In most regions, the bulk of the population is forced to labor menial and repetitive jobs for little or no pay. The average person is denied the basic human desire to be creative and pleasure in the benefits of arduous labor. Many people identify with subcultures.
<em>“offer a collective solution to the problems posed by shared contradictions in the work situation and provide a social and symbolic context for the development and reinforcement of collective identity and individual self esteem”(Murdock, 1973:9)"</em>
The Meaning of Style in Subcultures According to D1ck Hebdige, the choices of a specific subculture produce a language of symbols and aesthetics. The study of these languages is the study of these groups, their messages, and how they are transmitted. Subcultures are groups of individuals who have been socialized to compete and consume. As Parsons indicated,
<em>“youth culture was the culture of a generation who consumed without producing—a generation whose lengthening confinement in age- specific educational institutions was seen as removing them, not only from the productive system, but also from the class relations rooted in that system”(Parsons)</em>
As a result, their efforts to effect meaningful societal change have been restricted to how they act and/or what they purchase. Their clothing choices, language usage, and musical inclinations are all attempts to reclaim a feeling of individuality. The subculture brings up a whole new universe of possibilities. When a community distinguishes itself from the prevailing culture, it breaks the cycle within its members. Subculture is thus a resistance movement, a challenge to the norm.
Subcultures, in effect, give a roadmap to an alternative lifestyle, which is employed as a form of resistance to the one imposed by the mainstream culture. Subcultures evolve to compete with normality, claiming superiority via innovation.
Example:
There are subcultures centered around musical genes such as rock or metal. (Or Goth for that matter.)
There are those centered around literature or film, such as differing anime Fandoms.
There are subcultures centered around nodes of communication. Such is the reddit/tumblr divide.
Generally: if or can be used as a mode of identification, there will be a subculture built around that marker.
Thanks!
- Eddie
