Sub Cultural Groups

A sub-cultural group is a group of individuals that differ from the conventional cultural views of the dominant ideology, often with contrasting views, values and beliefs. A sub culture I believe offers an individual a safe haven, or at least a place where they can be with others of the same values and beliefs, without being directly discriminated against.

Sub cultural groups are often perceived by the dominant ideology to be a threat and are therefore portrayed with negative stereotypes and derogatory connotations. An example of which is the chav subculture, a group of individuals who are portrayed to be predominantly working class and constantly associated with unemployment, working/lower class background and high crime rates. Many people in my opinion, become a part of this subculture as they undertake secondary socialisation, particularly during youth where being an individual leaves you vulnerable, and by conforming to the subculture, an individual can gain security and therefore not be singled out for being different.

Assumptions are made self consciously on every individual we meet, and by dressing or acting differently to what is considered normal, this often leads to an individual being segregated from those around them and can lead to bullying, harassment, discrimination, etc. An example of a subculture that visually is much different to that of the perceived 'normal' is the Gothic sub-culture who adopt an androgynous appearance with individuals wearing black long clothing, pale makeup and heavy chained jewellery, and are associated with gathering in cemeteries and interested in castles, vampires and horror. By being an individual who is a member of this subculture, on your own, you would be seen as an outcast and portrayed negatively by the dominant ideology which would leave you exposed and vulnerable , however in a large group, surrounded by those around with similar appearance and beliefs, an individual would see the group as a safe haven where they would not feel as vulnerable and would instead feel a sense of security and the ability to express themselves freely.