Subcultures and Stereotypes

Subcultures and Stereotypes encompass distinct groups of people who share similar interests, including fields such as fashion, music, activities, socio-political beliefs, personality traits, and many other factors. Subcultures differ from Internet aesthetics. Although both can have an online presence, subcultures exist primarily in the real world and influence everyday life. The exact origin of subculture is hard to pinpoint as there have always been groups that stood out in a society, but the modern understanding of this phenomenon dates back to at least the late 19th century, primarily in Western countries. The concept became more prominent in the 20th century. Flappers (Roaring 20s) and British Teddy Boys (early 1950s to mid-1960s) are often considered some of the earliest modern subcultures.

In 1985, French sociologist Michel Maffesoli coined the term "urban tribe," which can be used interchangeably with subculture and is still the most used word in some countries. According to Maffesoli, urban tribes are microgroups of people who share common interests in metropolitan areas. The members of these relatively small groups tend to have similar worldviews, dressing styles, and behavioral patterns.

While many subcultures are associated with a specific fashion style, members of a subculture don't necessarily prioritize achieving a particular look. For example, someone who enjoys comics and science fiction may identify with "geek culture" without adopting a specific "Geek" aesthetic. Meanwhile, members of some subcultures such as Metalheads, Goths, and Gabbers, argue that the main defining characteristic of their culture is a shared passion for their respective music genres rather than fashion, no matter how iconic their stereotypical look is. Fashion-based subcultures are different and emphasize fashion as the defining factor: for instance, only people who wear lolita fashion are considered part of the Lolita subculture.

This category also includes Stereotypes, which are oversimplified and generalized ideas about groups of people. Unlike subcultures, where individuals actively participate and identify with the group, stereotypes are often imposed by people outside the group. An example is the "Jock" stereotype, which is associated with athleticism and specific personality traits, or "Basic Girl", based on American pop culture popular among young women. Stereotypes are considered mainstream and can be identified through "starter pack" memes.

In recent decades, "Internet subcultures" have emerged, which are less or more the same thing but primarily occur in the internet rather than in real life. These online subcultures are mostly expressed through blogs, common profile aesthetics (such as Waif or Femcel Weeaboo), and dedicated websites or fanbases (such as Drain, or the K-pop fandom), and communities really devoted to specific beliefs or interests, including memes (such as Incel, Doomer, or Arabfunny). Debate exists on whether they count as true subcultures.

Factors[]

Subcultures are based on a sense of belonging, while stereotypes are imposed by mainstream society on a specific group, but they share the same core idea of a group that stands out due to shared characteristics.

Both subcultures and stereotypes can be ephemeral or temporary, changing with trends and cultural shifts. Their longevity is not a defining factor. Some subcultures are "timeless," while others can become inactive for a variety of reasons, but regardless still count as subcultures.

Subcultures can be distinguished from one another based on a variety of factors, including:

• Music Taste: Many subcultures are characterized by common preferences for a specific music genre, as seen in Goth, Grunge, Metalhead, or Raver. They primarily emphasize music; their associated fashion is secondary or optional.
• Fashion Styles: Some subcultures are characterized by a specific fashion style and dressing conventions, such as Lolita or Decora.
• Shared Activities: Many subcultures and stereotypes revolve around shared activities, like playing video games in Gamer or skating in Skater.
• Aesthetics: Various subcultures share specific symbology that represents them. For example, the clenched fist symbol is common in Northern Soul, anarchist symbology is a major characteristic of Punk, and the checkerboard pattern is popular in Ska (Rude Boy).
• Political Ideology: Socio-political beliefs are an important characteristic in many subcultures. Punk is known for its anti-establishment ideology, while Hippies advocate for peace and non-violence.
• Personality: Stereotypes characterized by certain personality traits, as seen in Nerd and Geek.
• Predominant Gender: Subcultures shaped by gender-related experiences, like Riot Grrrl, an off-shoot of Punk focused on feminism.
• Age Generation: Western age demographics can also be relevant in some subcultures. For example, Yé-yé and Yuppie are associated with the Baby Boomer generation, while Grunge and Bakala are associated with Gen X, and internet-based subcultures are mostly associated with Gen Z.
• Social Status and Class: Some subcultures are associated with specific socioeconomic backgrounds. For example, Preppy is associated with high-class New England families, while Punk and Rude Boy are associated with rebelling working-classes.
• Cultural Origins: Geographic and cultural context is one of the most defining factors in what makes a subculture distinct from another. Some groups can be specific to a country or a region. For example, Cholos are a Mexican-American youth subculture in California who aim to resist cultural assimiliation, while the Japanese Gyaru subculture aims to challenge the traditional beauty standards of Japan.
• Geographical: Some scenes are associated with a specific place. For example, Grunge developed in Seattle, and Harajuku Fashion is associated with the Harajuku neighborhood of Shibuya, Tokyo.
• Slang: Many subcultures share their own shared expressions exclusive to their own sphere. This is exemplified by Scene, Chavs, the Italian Paninari, or Austria's Krocha subculture of the late-2000s.
• Linguistic: Apart from slang, some subcultures can emphasize a specific language as part of their shared identity. For example, "Cagole" is a stereotype from Southern France directly tied to the Occitan language, while Bravú was a movement primarily defined by the use of the Galician language. Meanwhile, Cholos emphasize the Spanish language in order to resist American cultural assimilation.
• Religion: Religious beliefs can be a defining factor in some subcultures, such as New Age.
• Relationship with Mainstream Culture: This is a factor that can vary a lot from one group to another. Countercultural movements like Punk entirely reject mainstream culture, while others such as Nerd became increasingly cashed on by corporations. Meanwhile, Hip-Hop is mainstream.
• Marginalization: Some subcultures emerged from the historical or on-going marginalization of a specific community, like Cholos or Afropunk.
• Sexuality: Some subcultures are based on a common sexuality, such as the Bear community within the LGBTQ+. However, distinct sexual identities are often not covered on the Aesthetics Wiki.