A subculture, as defined by Hebdige
(2005) represent 'noise' as opposed to sound. A collection of breaks in the
regular, or norms, which when complied represent a group of people, tendencies
and characteristics which differentiate
themselves from the larger culture.
Elements which determine the meaning
of a subculture include all aspects of how one lives their life and see their
world (Hegemony, otherwise known as a total world view), a mindset or Ideology and one or
more commodities (use value found in the process of consumption or exchange
value, found when attempting to
exchange). Reification (the making
real of something, bringing it into being) and Dialectical materialism
(class struggle) also play important roles.
For example; the '90's kid'
subculture. (See video above for example)
Reminiscence for a not too distant
past, idolized as being some of the best years to grow up in. The homology
associated with the subculture is quite literal, in that the development of
those who include themselves in the group were brought up,
surrounded by the same generation of pop culture influences, world
events and technological advances. The 90's kids (individuals who
were brought up from the ages of 5 to 18, during the 1990's)
were arguably the first generation to grow up with world
information systems and the computer, which explains the prominence of the
culture on the internet. It could be described as a platform for the rise of the
90's kids’ movement, which is also referred to the #90's kid (hashtag).
The subculture most commonly
manifests (online) in the phrase 'only 90's kids will get this', or 'if
you remember these you had an awesome childhood'. Both refer to images or
terminologies which would only be identifiable to 90's kids, as they are no
longer prominent or in existence. This side of the subculture makes
obvious the excluding nature evident.
Traits of the subculture are mainly
derived from western culture, often new, consumer level technologies from
during the period, fashion, pop culture or terminology.
Resources
Hebdige, Dick (2005): "Subculture" in Popular Culture, A Reader (eds Raiford Guins and Omayra Zaragoza Cruz). London, Thousand Oaks & New Delhi: Sage Publications; pp.355-71