Subculture and Counterculture Sociology 12 Subculture and Counterculture

Outcome •Investigate the existence of subcultures and countercultures in Canadian society.

Subculture Definition of Subculture: a. the cultural values and behavioral patterns distinctive of a particular group in a society. b. a group having social, economic, ethnic, or other traits distinctive enough to distinguish it from others within the same culture or society.

Subculture Perceived as having both positive and negative effects on society.

Social Divide Subcultures can exist or divide through a multitude of dimensions : Social class Ethnic or racial background Religion Social groups and clubs

Subcultures How do you perceive the effects of subculture within your environment? Are you a member of a subculture? If so, what role do you believe that it plays in your social interactions?

Subculture can be defined by Tools and Equipment (video) Rituals/ Tradition Values/ Norms Dress Language

Subculture in Canada Generally perceived in a positive manner Its what makes Canadian culture so unique Cultural mosaic Strengthens social groups (a sense of belonging)

Counterculture the culture and lifestyle of those people, especially among the young, who reject or oppose the dominant values and behavior of society.

Counterculture Can have negative societal effects Can have a negative origin Exists on a multitude of levels (political, personal, social, etc)

Extreme reactions to Counterculture FLQ , 1960’s Skinheads Hells Angels Hippies

The FLQ FLQ stands for Front de Libération du Québec Separatists This was a group of radical nationalists that began in the 1960's This group believed that armed insurrection of violent rebellion was what they had to do to achieve their goals. October Crisis 1970

Extremist Counterculture Terrorists attacks are an extreme example of how counterculture can destroy the very glue that bonds society together, our sense of security and unity.

Skinheads White supremacists Known for racial hatred, but extends to gender and beyond. No known national organization but linked to gang affiliates: Heritage Front (1989), Aryan Resistance Movement, Northern Hammerskins.

Hells Angels Motorcycle club Linked to organized crime, murder, drugs, extortion, etc. Widely feared. Motto "When we do right, nobody remembers. When we do wrong, nobody forgets".

Government From a political perspective Counterculture materializes in society according to government/societal approval. Adverse political decisions can lead to a distinct counter-culture

Counterculture in the 1960s One of the truest forms of perceived counterculture in the 60’s was the development of a society of people who were referred to as hippies. These individuals were seen as counter productive to the goals/ways of North American society.