The term subculture comes from Latin and means something like „subculture“. The sociology dictionary provides the following definition of the term: „Subculture refers to a self-contained social subculture that differs in its institutions, values, norms, needs, behaviors, and symbols from the socially dominant culture (e.g., middle-class culture).“ (Reinhold 2017, 661)
Research strands and classification
For the first time, the term subculture was brought forth in the 1940s/50s by the American sociologist Milton Gordon (cf. Wurschi 2007, 21 f.). Researchers of the Chicago School conducted studies to prove regularities in the deviant behavior of adolescents. The result was that these young people came predominantly from economically weak milieus and violated the values of the prevailing culture due to a lack of perspectives. In the 1970s, this approach was expanded to include the differentiation of deliberately criminal subcultures (see Reinhold 2017, 662).
In research, a distinction between voluntary and involuntary participation takes place. Involuntary subcultures arise from discrimination, belonging to an ethnic minority, and underprivilege. Voluntary subcultures that seek to form an alternative to the dominant culture and strive for better living conditions are also referred to as counterculture (cf. Reinhold 2017, 662).
Criticism of the subculture concept
The primary consideration and focus on male youth in previous subculture research came under heavy discourse. Women and girls were not included enough in subculture research (cf. Reinhold 2017, 664).
With regard to the potential and influence of subcultures on social change, opposing opinions can be identified. On the one hand, they are said to have potential for change; on the other hand, the influence of subcultures is considered to be rather low (cf. Hügel 2003, 71). Another criticism is the lack of dynamics in the theory of subcultures. Social developments and current problems hardly find their way into research (cf. Reinhold 2017, 664).
Literature
Hügel, Hans Otto (2003): Handbook of popular culture. Terms, theories, and discussions. Stuttgart: Metzler.
Reinhold, Gerd (2017): Sociology dictionary. Online edition. Berlin/ Boston: Oldenbourg Wissenschaftsverlag.
Wurschi, Peter (2007): Rennsteigbeat, Jugendliche Subkulturen im Thüringer Raum 1952-1989. Cologne: Böhlau.