Understanding Culture vs Subculture: Key Differences and Similarities
The terms ‘culture’ and ‘subculture’ are often used interchangeably, which can lead to confusion when trying to differentiate between these terms. Understanding the difference between culture and subculture is essential to understanding society’s complexity and the various influence it plays in an individual’s life.
Introduction
Culture and subculture are terms that describe organized sets of beliefs, values, and practices within a society. While both are useful in understanding humans’ behavior, they differ significantly in their definition and scope. This article aims to highlight the key differences and similarities between culture and subculture.
Defining Culture
Culture refers to the shared set of beliefs, values, norms, and behaviors that characterize a society. It includes all elements of life – from language to customs, arts, and social institutions. More specifically, culture helps define what is right and wrong and what is considered appropriate in various aspects of life.
Defining Subculture
Subculture refers to groups or communities within a society that share a distinctive set of cultural beliefs, values, and practices that differ from those of the broader society. Subcultures may develop among people who share a common interest, background, or lifestyle. They form around shared experiences and often establish unique ways of expressing themselves, such as through distinctive fashions, music, or language.
Key Differences
The primary distinction between culture and subculture is in their scope and identity. Culture is a broader term that refers to the shared set of beliefs, values, and practices within a society. Subculture, on the other hand, is a smaller group within society with shared interests and unique beliefs that differ from those of the broader culture. While culture is often understood as a national or ethnic characteristic, subcultures transcend geographic borders.
Another key difference is the degree to which individuals can be influenced by each. Cultures typically impact broader groups of people, while subcultures primarily influence members of the specific group. While an individual can identify with a particular subculture, they cannot opt out of, nor can they create or change, the broader culture.
Key Similarities
Both culture and subculture share one key element: they both form to satisfy basic human needs. Both provide individuals with a sense of identity, purpose, and belonging. Both offer a specific way to understand society, environment, and the world in general. They also both evolve and change over time.
Examples
The most commonly known subcultures include punk, goth, and hip-hop. These subcultures were formed due to an expression of rebellion and rejection of traditional values. Over time, they have evolved, and many people today identify with elements of these subcultures. Music is often a cornerstone of subcultures, serving as a unifying factor.
In contrast, Korean and Indian cultures have distinct ways of life, language, food, fashion, and ceremonies. These cultures passed down from generation to generation and are shaped by centuries of tradition and history. While people from other countries can admire and learn from these cultures, they cannot claim them as their own.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while culture and subculture share some similarities, they differ significantly in their definitions and scope. Culture refers to a broad set of beliefs, values, and practices that define a society, while subculture refers to smaller groups within society with unique cultural traits. Both are essential to understanding individuals’ beliefs and behaviors and offer a sense of identity, purpose, and belonging. Understanding the distinction between culture and subculture helps us navigate the complexities of human society and the various factors that shape it.
