In sociology, a subculture is a group of people within a cultural society that differentiates itself from the conservative and standard values to which it belongs, often maintaining its own beliefs, norms, and values/03%3A_Culture/3.04%3A_Culture_Worlds/3.4A%3A_Subcultures). Subcultures are generally groups that are perceived to deviate from the normative standards of the dominant culture, as this is variously defined according to age, sexuality, and taste in economic, racial, and gendered terms/03%3A_Culture/3.04%3A_Culture_Worlds/3.4A%3A_Subcultures). They are often positioned socially and analytically as disenfranchised, subordinate, subaltern, or subterranean.
Subcultures are usually studied apart from their families and domestic or private settings, with an emphasis instead on voluntary, informal, and organic affiliations formed either in the unregulated public space of the street, or conversely within and against the disciplinary structure of enforced institutionalization. The study of subcultures often consists of the study of symbolism attached to clothing, music, and other visible affectations by members of subcultures. Sociologists also study the ways in which these same symbols are interpreted by members of the dominant culture/03%3A_Culture/3.04%3A_Culture_Worlds/3.4A%3A_Subcultures).
Examples of subcultures include hippies, antigun groups, high school jocks, environmental activists, people in the furry community, people in the cosplay community, punks, goths, and many more. Even religious groups could be considered subcultures. Subcultures exist because the dominant culture does not meet the needs or interests of members of the particular subculture. Therefore, these groups form to engage in lifestyles or activities that meet the needs of their interests or shared experiences related to a particular identity.
