The word "subculture" is spelled with "sub" as in "submarine" and "culture" as in "cultivate." It is pronounced /ˈsʌbˌkʌltʃər/, with emphasis on the first syllable. The IPA transcription shows that the "s" is pronounced as an unvoiced "s" sound, the "u" sound is pronounced as a short "uh" sound, the "b" is pronounced as a voiced "b" sound, the "k" is pronounced as an unvoiced "k" sound, the "u" sounds as a short "uh," and the "lt" combination is pronounced as a "lt" sound.
Subculture refers to a distinct and relatively small group within a larger society or culture that shares unique characteristics, interests, beliefs, and practices that differentiate them from the mainstream way of life. It is typically formed by individuals who identify with each other based on shared experiences, occupations, hobbies, musical preferences, fashion choices, or societal ideologies. Subcultures often develop as a means of expressing individuality, challenging societal norms, and creating a sense of belonging and community.
These subcultures often have their own values, traditions, and norms that deviate from those of the dominant culture. They usually have their own language or slang, symbols, rituals, and distinctive styles of dress and appearance. Subcultures can emerge within various domains, including music (such as punk or hip-hop), fashion (emo or goth), sports (skateboarding or parkour), hobbies (gamers or cosplayers), or even political ideologies (anarchists or environmentalists).
Subcultures can have a profound impact on society, influencing mainstream culture and trends through their unique styles, ideas, and social movements. While they are usually seen as a separate entity, they often interact and intersect with the wider society, both shaping and being influenced by it.
The study and exploration of subcultures fall within the field of sociology and cultural anthropology, providing insights into how individuals seek to define their identities and find acceptance within a larger society.
1. A culture made by transferring to a fresh medium microorganisms from a previous culture; a method used to prolong the life of a particular strain where there is a tendency to degeneration in older cultures. 2. To make a fresh culture with material obtained from a previous one.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "subculture" is a combination of two words: "sub" and "culture".
The prefix "sub-" derives from the Latin word "sub", which means "under" or "below". It suggests something that is lesser in rank or importance than the main or dominant culture.
The word "culture" stems from the Latin word "cultura", which refers to cultivation or the process of nourishing and developing something. In English, the term has evolved to encompass the shared beliefs, traditions, customs, and practices of a particular group or society.
Therefore, "subculture" essentially refers to a group or a cultural subset that exists within and may differ from the dominant or mainstream culture. It implies a distinct set of behaviors, values, and interests that individuals in the subculture share and identify with.