A subculture is a smaller cultural group within a larger culture that differentiates itself from the conservative and standard values to which it belongs, often maintaining some of its founding principles. Subcultures develop their own norms, values, beliefs, rituals, and traditions. They are characterized by beliefs or interests that are at variance with those of the larger group, and they exhibit characteristic patterns of behavior sufficient to distinguish them from others within an embracing culture or society.
The concept of subcultures was developed in sociology and cultural studies, and it differs from countercultures. The Oxford English Dictionary defines subculture as "an identifiable subgroup within a society or group of people, esp. one characterized by beliefs or interests at variance with those of the larger group; the distinctive ideas, practices, or way of life of such a subgroup". Recent interpretations see subcultures as forms of distinction, which are collectivities that are sufficiently homogeneous internally and heterogeneous with respect to the outside world to be capable of.
Subcultures can be ethnic, regional, economic, or social groups that exhibit characteristic patterns of behavior sufficient to distinguish them from others within an embracing culture or society. For example, there can be a criminal subculture or a subculture of poverty and crime. In a contemporary sense, subcultures generally refer to popular culture, including animation, manga, video games, and popular music.
