What is the Difference Between Subculture and Counterculture?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between subculture and counterculture lies in their relationship with the dominant culture in society. Here are the key distinctions:
- Subculture: A subculture is a culture shared by a smaller group of people who are also part of a larger culture, but the smaller group has specific cultural attributes that set them apart from the larger group. Subcultures can include ethnic groups, exclusive religious groups, or social classes. They are distinct from the dominant culture but still share some of its characteristics and are generally not antagonistic towards the larger culture.
- Counterculture: A counterculture is a group whose members adopt cultural patterns in opposition to the larger culture. Countercultures deliberately challenge or reject the dominant culture and its norms, often advocating for alternative values and beliefs. Examples of countercultures include feminist groups or environmental movements that actively oppose mainstream societal values and practices.
In summary, subcultures are smaller cultural groups within a larger culture, while countercultures are groups that actively challenge or oppose the dominant culture.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Subculture and Counterculture? Comparative Table: Subculture vs Counterculture
Comparative Table: Subculture vs Counterculture
The main difference between subculture and counterculture lies in their relationship with the mainstream culture. Here is a table highlighting the key differences between the two:
| Aspect | Subculture | Counterculture |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A subculture is a small cultural group within a larger cultural group, sharing a specific identity or interest. | A counterculture is a small group outside of the larger community that goes against the mainstream culture. |
| Relationship with Mainstream Culture | A subculture can function within the dominant culture and shares some of its values. | A counterculture actively opposes the mainstream culture and seeks to change it. |
| Examples | Music (punk rockers, goth, grunge, hip hop, rave, etc.), New age wellness, Yoga, LGBTQ2+, Hippies, Minimalists, Outdoor special interest, Religious, Surfers, Skaters, Trekkies | Hippie protesters in the 1960s, Civil rights activists, Peer movement, Feminist groups, LGBTQ2+ groups, Environmental groups |
Subcultures often form around shared interests and likes, while countercultures form around shared interests and dislikes, specifically in opposition to the mainstream culture.
Read more:
- Culture vs Subculture
- High Culture vs Popular Culture
- Society vs Culture
- Culture vs Lifestyle
- Culture vs Tradition
- Culture vs Religion
- Culture vs Diversity
- Social Change vs Cultural Change
- Ethnicity vs Culture
- Culture vs Identity
- Culture vs Civilization
- Cultural vs Social
- Art vs Culture
- Culture vs Heritage
- Hippie vs Hipster
- Religion vs Cult
- Tribalism vs Cultism
- Social Behavior vs Culture
- Cultural vs Ethnic