Question

define culture and what it means, compare and contrast subcultures and counter cultures, compare and contrast values, norms, and beliefs

Answer 1

• Culture refers to characteristics of group of people,which make them unique and different.These include,food,traditions,music,langauge,religion etc.Culture actually includes how we eat,what we wear,how we wear,how we talk to people,how we celebrate festivals,what rituals we follow,etc.It includes shared patterns of behaviours and beliefs,which are formed through socialization.
• For example,in Indian culture,people consider families to be a joint unit,codepending on each other,whereas in western cultures,families are nuclear and independent.This difference comes from cultural beliefs that have been formed based on social interactions and makes each of them unique.
• Subcultures are basically smaller groups within a larger community,living within the mainstream culture,having their own language,lifestyle,image,perception etc.Such groups are formed based on shared interests and likes.for example,a biker gang is the most common example of a subculture.
• Countercultures on the other hand are smaller groups outside of the main culture,they actually go against the mainstream culture,and people come together because of their shared dislikes towards some issue or norms of the society.They have a different ideology from the mainstream culture and constantly protest against it,trying to change it.For example,in 1960s,feminist groups came into existence who fought for their equal rights and against the patriarchal norms of the mainstream culture.
• Norms are something which are standards set by the society,according to which people need to behave.For example,some cultures have the norm wherein women are not allowed to step out of the house uncovered,violation of this norm can lead to punishments,in many overly strict middle eastern cultures.
• Values stem from our beliefs.Beliefs are assumptions we have about certain things life.Beliefs are our convictions which we consider true for us and something which guides our actions.I dont need proof to have a belief in God,its my conviction.
• Values include all those things which are important to us.Something which holds a meaning in our life,for example,honesty in relationships is something I consider important.Cultural upbringing does influences our beliefs and values.
• For example,in my Indian culture,we place immense importance on family values of togetherness,respecting elders etc.These values come from the belief that families our important for one's existence.