Subcultured Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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subcultured

[sʌbˈkʌl.tʃərd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

sociology, culture

Subcultured refers to a group of people within a larger culture that has its own distinct values, norms, and behaviors. These subcultures often arise as a response to the primary culture, providing members with a sense of identity and belonging. Examples of subcultures include punk, goth, hip-hop, and various youth cultures that create their own styles and social practices. Understanding subcultures can help in recognizing cultural diversity and the complexities of social interactions.

Synonyms

grouping, segment, subculture.

Examples of usage

  • The punk subcultured emerged in the 1970s.
  • Many teenagers find solace in subcultured groups.
  • Subcultured communities often express their identity through fashion.
  • Artists often draw inspiration from various subcultured influences.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Sociology

  • Subcultures often develop in response to the dominant culture, allowing groups to express their identities and resist mainstream values.
  • Members of subcultures typically share interests like music, fashion, or lifestyles that set them apart, fostering a sense of belonging.

Pop Culture

  • The punk subculture emerged in the 1970s as a rebellion against mainstream music and fashion, featuring distinct clothing styles and attitudes.
  • Goth, hip-hop, and cosplay are all examples of subcultures that have developed unique aesthetics and social norms within larger societies.

Psychology

  • Belonging to a subculture can provide individuals with a strong sense of identity and community, often boosting self-esteem and social support.
  • Engagement in subcultures is sometimes seen as a coping mechanism through which individuals address feelings of alienation or disconnection from mainstream society.

Literature

  • A number of literary works explore subcultures, depicting the challenges and richness of identities beyond the dominant culture.
  • Authors like William S. Burroughs and Beat Generation writers often celebrated subcultures in their works, portraying the lives of those on the fringes of society.

Origin of 'subcultured'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'sub-' comes from Latin, meaning 'under' or 'below', indicating something that exists beneath the main culture.
  • The term 'culture' has its roots in the Latin 'cultura', which originally referred to agriculture and cultivation, but later evolved to mean shared beliefs and practices.

The term 'subculture' combines the prefix 'sub-', meaning below or beneath, with 'culture,' originating from the Latin word 'cultura,' meaning cultivation or fostering. The concept became prominent in the study of sociology and anthropology in the mid-20th century. It was particularly associated with youth movements and countercultures, which emerged as a reaction to mainstream societal norms. The study of subcultures has played a significant role in understanding sociocultural dynamics, including how groups create identity, community, and resistance within a broader societal context. The evolution of subcultured expressions continues to reflect changes in technology, social values, and cultural exchanges in a globalized world.