In this article, we have discussed the best subculture examples, types of subcultures, and more.
Generally, there are cultures, then we have subcultures emerging within cultures. A subculture is a tiny group that feels it’s better to separate themselves from the parent culture.
We have seen various subcultures emerge in recent times. They usually form when a group of individuals share a common interest, value, and experience that is different from the parent culture.
These groups’ values and opinions differ from what the dominating culture represents. These things happen more often in the Western world and in this post, we will be looking at different subculture examples.
What Are Subcultures?
Subcultures define a group of individuals within a culture who shares a different view from what the parent culture represents. Although members of subcultures may maintain some basic principles of the dominating culture, they still distinguish themselves from the dominating culture.
Subcultures are created when a group of individuals share a common interest, value or experience, hence separating from the dominating culture. They have an understanding as a group, so it is better to push their ideas to others.
As a group, they want to make decisions that are beneficial to their common goal. Generally, this group may have a common interest, a certain political view, or a musical preference.
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Subculture Examples in the United States
The United States is where we have seen many subcultures emerge over the last few decades. A few examples of subcultures currently in the United States include;
- Goths
- Hackers
- Punks
- Afrofuturists
- Naturists
Types of Subcultures
Generally, there are various kinds of subcultures in the United States. With the numbers so far, perhaps new subcultures are created daily.
Here are a few types of subcultures in the West;
- Academic Subcultures
- Hobby Subcultures
- Internet Subcultures
- Musical Subcultures
- Religious Subcultures
- Resistance Subcultures or Countercultures
- Sexual Subcultures
- Work or Occupational Subcultures
20 Best Subculture Examples
Generally, there are examples of subcultures, which include youth subcultures and music subcultures.
Here are the best subcultures examples
#1. Hackers
Hackers are a new subculture that concentrates on gaining access to many valuable online data through any means possible. Their skills allow them to breach hidden parts of the internet.
With their skills, hackers are capable of hacking into different networks. They work together for hours to achieve these impossible tasks. Some of the experts with this type of set of skills have acquired so much wealth for themselves.
Their skills allow them to gain illegal access and data, which is detrimental to government agencies and companies attacked.
#2. Hippies
Hippies were considered to be among the most powerful countercultures to exist during the 20th century. They began to gain popularity back in the mid-1960s in the United States.
As a youth subculture, they believed in living in a society where free love is expressed. They believed in giving peace a chance and letting love win over war.
Hippies were strongly against the war in Vietnam. The late 1960s was when the movement peaked and it began to lose its popularity in the mid-70s.
#3. Surf Culture
Here is one of the examples of youth subculture. Surf culture came into existence as a small subculture in the 20th century.
It became more popular on the west coast of the United States back in the 1960s. The beaches in California became a spot for outdoor recreation. Residents began surfing, and having lots of fun exploring the small part of the Pacific Ocean.
Surf culture is also huge in places like Australia and the U.S. state of Hawaii.
#4. Skaters
Skating is a bit similar to surfing. The only difference is that the latter is done on oceans and seas.
As a subcultural group, skaters enjoy skateboarding. Skateboarding became popular in the West during the 1950s. The 1980s was a particular period when skateboarding was widely enjoyed by young Americans.
The two sub-group in skateboarding include vert and streets. Street skaters enjoy skating in urban areas where they perform all sorts of tricks. Vert skaters are the skilful ones who skate in empty pools, doing all kinds of tricks.
#5. New Age
In the 1970s, New Age spirituality came into existence as a religious and spiritual subculture. Since it involves spirituality, many believe it represents a clear understanding of divinity and a connection to supernatural beings.
A subculture that teaches spirituality and how to nurture the ability to communicate with the afterlife and angels.
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#6.Beat Generation
The beat generation flourished in the mid-20th century. It was a literary movement that influenced music and subsequent cultures during the 1950s.
The beat generation had a different view on accepting traditional values. They believe that spirituality was fading ways due to the effect of materialism within society.
Its existence created beat poetry as well as the free-flowing literary style used in Jack Kerouac’s novel, On the Road.
#7. Steampunk
Steampunk correlate with fashion, arts and literature. A clear representation of their fashion includes the combination of Victorian and industrial eras.
To better understand more about Steampunk, a few Hollywood films share an interesting storyline. Hollywood films like The Golden Compass, Wild Wild West and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen are examples of Steampunk films.
#8. Ski Bums
Ski Bums is one of the subculture examples. It’s a bit like surf culture but it’s only found in the rocky mountains of North America or the European Alps.
It’s a subculture that brings excitement to younger folks. It has its lingo and fashion with the popular lingo “Gnarly Dude”.
Surf culture and Ski Bums are enjoyed in different seasons, with the latter following the snow between the northern and southern hemispheres.
#9. Hipsters
Hipsters are one of the best subculture examples. It was a subculture that gained huge popularity back in the 1940s.
For decades this subculture was not popular as it used to be. In the early part of the millennium, this subculture became popular once again. Members of this subculture group follow a unique fashion style.
They prefer maintaining a twirled moustache or full beard. Wearing skinny jeans and big glasses is the norm. Within this subculture, members hardly use the term “Hipster”.
#10. Antifa
In the early 2000s, Antifa was created as a political movement to tackle far-right populism. Antifa was derived from anti-fascism.
The political movement fights for a just course without any formal leaders. Antifa consists of individuals and groups who have a common goal to oppose fascism or any form of bigotry.
Activists within this subculture are known to attract public attention to pressing matters through protests and street marches. They believe in the human race and will confront those who are racist and fascist.
Over the years, the Antifa movement has received heavy criticism for its violence. They have also been accused of not being transparent as a group.
Despite these criticisms and accusations, many believe that Antifa protects the interest of the common people through any means possible.
#11. Graffiti Artists
Graffiti as a subculture ranges from gangs expressing their emotions and opinion on public infrastructures. They lay claims to territories through legitimized graffiti art that is usually commissioned by landowners and councils.
In general, graffiti art can represent rebellious emotions and signs.
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Examples of Music Subcultures
Here are the best examples of music subculture examples.
#12. Emo
The early 2000s was the period when the Emo subculture was created. Emo was previously associated with music genres like pop punk and emo punk.
Its fashion is associated with black clothing, tight jeans, and hoodies. In recent times, Emo culture is seen as depressing and causes anxiety.
Many people have been accepted into the Emo culture as it has evolved in recent times. Its fashion and music have been more diverse.
In general, the Emo culture has currently regarded as a safe sanctuary for people of all gender, sexuality, etc.
#13. Punk Rock
Punk rock as a subculture was created in the late 70s. Members of this subcultural group usually possess a DIY attitude. They prefer playing loud music and enjoy an odd fashion style.
It’s one of the best subculture examples that has gained huge popularity over the last few decades. Emo, Goth, and Hip-Hop are some of the best examples of music subcultures.
#14. Goth
Goth as a music subculture emerged in the United Kingdom during the 1980s. Members of this subculture prefer post-punk gothic rock from groups like Joy Davison and Bauhaus.
Members of this group prefer a unique and odd fashion style. They usually wear all-black clothing, black nail polish, and dark eyeliner.
#15. Mods
Here is another example of a music subculture that emerged in the United Kingdom during the 1950s and 1960s. Back in the 50s and 60s, members of this subculture were known to follow a certain fashion style.
Mods and rockers had several violent clashes during the 1960s. Having these clashes made the Mods and the Rockers famous in the UK.
The Skinheads is a group created by members of Mods.
#16. Hip-Hop
Hip-Hop as a subculture was created in the mid-1970s by a group of African-Americans in the United States. Members of this subculture are predominantly black, with Latino and Caribbean also on board.
It’s a subculture that began in The Bronx, New York. Hip-Hop is associated with activities like breakdancing and rapping. A subculture that has over the years discovered many talents. From the late 1980s, we had the N.W.A. with the likes of Ice Cube, Eazy-E, Dr Dre, MC Ren, DJ Yella, and Arabian Prince.
The early 1990s was the period when one of hip-hop’s greatest artists emerged. The era of the Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, and other hip-hop artists.
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#17. Skinheads
Skinhead emerged as a subculture after the break-off of a working-class group of Mods decades ago. This subculture was formed to oppose the values of the Mods.
As a subculture, Skinheads define themselves by embracing the British working-class culture. However, some members of this subculture left the group to create far-right Neo-Nazi groups.
#18. Grunge
Grunge is one of the best examples of a music subculture. It was a subculture that was created in Seattle during the late 80s and early 90s. Members of this group preferred a combination of metal and punk music.
The group has received huge criticism for promoting narcissism.
#19. Drum and Bass
D’n’B is one of the best examples of subcultures that gained popularity in the 1990s. It was more about electric music, heavy bass, and fastback beats.
Drum & bass was influenced by reggae and Jamaican dub music. It was popular on the European continent, especially in the northern region.
D’n’B is celebrated for its contribution to electronic music.
Conclusion
Subcultures emerge from specific cultures and sometimes members choose to oppose the values and beliefs of their parent culture. Having different perspectives and opinion leads to the creation of subcultures.
Some of the subcultures on this list were famous decades ago. Unfortunately, they are no longer popular as they used to be. We hope this article on the best examples of subculture was helpful.
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References
- vastlearners.com: 21 Best Subculture Examples (From the Past Century)
- helpfulprofessor.com: 21 Best Subculture Examples (A To Z List) – Youth & Music!
- indeed.com: What are subcultures? (With definition and 8 examples)
