Subcommunity vs. Subculture — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 5, 2024
Subcommunities are specific groups within larger communities sharing common interests or goals, while subcultures embody distinctive beliefs, behaviors, and styles within a broader culture.
Difference Between Subcommunity and Subculture
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Subcommunities form as a result of individuals banding together within a larger community due to shared interests, professions, or goals. On the other hand, subcultures develop distinct sets of values, norms, and practices that differentiate them from the mainstream culture they are part of.
Subcommunities often revolve around logistical or practical commonalities, like living in the same area or working in the same field. Whereas, subcultures can be based on broader and more abstract concepts like music preferences, fashion, or philosophical beliefs.
Subcommunities can exist transiently and be based on circumstances; for instance, a subcommunity might form in a workplace or among parents at a local school. Conversely, subcultures often have a more enduring nature, defined by lasting traditions and deep-rooted identity markers.
Subcommunities are generally easier to identify and join, as they are based on clear, often visible common interests. Subcultures may require a deeper understanding and internalization of specific values and behaviors to be considered a part of them.
While subcommunities provide support based on shared situations or objectives, subcultures offer their members a sense of identity and belonging that deeply influences their lifestyle and worldview.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A group within a larger community with shared interests or goals.
A cultural group within a larger culture, often with distinct beliefs, behaviors, and styles.
Basis of Formation
Common interests, goals, or situations.
Shared ideologies, lifestyles, or artistic preferences.
Duration and Stability
Often transient and situation-based.
Usually enduring with stable traditions.
Identification
Easy to identify and join.
May require deeper assimilation into specific values and practices.
Primary Function
Provides practical or logistical support.
Offers a sense of identity and influences lifestyle.
Compare with Definitions
Subcommunity
An informal network within a broader community sharing specific goals.
The university’s sustainability subcommunity focuses on campus-wide recycling efforts.
Subculture
A lifestyle-based group that significantly diverges in behavior from the broader society.
The vegan subculture promotes a diet and lifestyle devoid of animal products.
Subcommunity
A subgroup formed by geographical proximity within a larger population.
The downtown residents’ association acts as a subcommunity focusing on urban issues.
Subculture
A social group that maintains unique traditions or languages within a larger cultural context.
The Amish subculture is distinguished by its strict community rules and avoidance of modern technology.
Subcommunity
A temporary or permanent gathering of people with common pursuits within a larger group.
Online forums often host subcommunities centered around particular hobbies or topics.
Subculture
An ideological or philosophical offshoot within a larger cultural setting.
The minimalist subculture advocates for a life of reduced material possessions and simplicity.
Subcommunity
A segment of a larger community formed around shared attributes or interests.
The local artists' group is a vibrant subcommunity within the city.
Subculture
A cultural group differentiated by distinctive norms, values, or lifestyles from the main culture.
The punk subculture is known for its rebellious fashion and radical ideologies.
Subcommunity
A subset of a larger group organized for specific administrative purposes.
The subcommittee is essentially a subcommunity tasked with revising the company’s policies.
Subculture
A subset of a culture that expresses unique artistic or musical preferences.
The hip-hop subculture embraces specific music, dance styles, and art forms.
Subcommunity
A community that exists as part of a larger community.
Subculture
A cultural subgroup differentiated by status, ethnic background, residence, religion, or other factors that functionally unify the group and act collectively on each member.
Subculture
One culture of microorganisms derived from another.
Subculture
A portion of a culture distinguished by its customs or other features, often in contrast to the larger mainstream culture.
The goth subculture has its own mode of dress, and it has a characteristic musical style.
Subculture
(biology) A culture made by transferring microorganisms from a previous culture to a fresh growth medium
Subculture
(biology) To transfer (microorganisms) to a fresh growth medium in order to start a new culture
Subculture
A social group within a national culture that has distinctive patterns of behavior and beliefs
Common Curiosities
What challenges do subcommunities face?
Challenges can include maintaining engagement, managing conflicts, securing resources, and ensuring the group’s objectives align with those of the larger community.
What are common examples of subcommunities?
Common examples include hobbyist groups, professional networks, local neighborhood associations, and online gaming communities.
What influence do subcultures have on popular culture?
Subcultures can significantly influence popular culture by introducing new art, music, fashion, and ideologies that may eventually integrate into the mainstream.
How do subcultures form?
Subcultures often form when individuals with similar interests, beliefs, or lifestyles come together to share and express their commonalities, sometimes as a reaction to societal norms.
How are subcultures studied?
Subcultures are studied through various disciplines like sociology, anthropology, and cultural studies, often using participant observation, interviews, and media analysis.
How do subcultures preserve their identity?
Subcultures preserve their identity through shared practices, rituals, languages, and often by passing traditions down to new members.
What role do social media play in subcultures?
Social media plays a crucial role in subcultures by facilitating communication, spreading cultural norms, and helping members connect globally.
How do subcommunities communicate?
Subcommunities often communicate through regular meetings, social media platforms, dedicated online forums, or newsletters.
How can someone benefit from joining a subcommunity?
Benefits include gaining support, sharing knowledge and resources, networking opportunities, and enhancing personal or professional development.
Can a subculture become mainstream?
Yes, elements of a subculture can become mainstream if they gain widespread acceptance or popularity, which may dilute their original distinctiveness.
Do subcommunities have formal leadership?
Some subcommunities may have formal leadership structures, such as elected officials or appointed leaders, while others operate more informally.
Are subcultures always countercultural?
Not always; while many subcultures form as countercultural movements opposing mainstream values, others simply represent a distinct but not necessarily oppositional lifestyle.
Can a subculture impact economic trends?
Yes, subcultures can impact economic trends, especially in fashion, music, and entertainment industries, by creating new markets and demands.
What are the potential downsides of subcultures?
Potential downsides include marginalization from mainstream society, internal conflicts, and the commercialization of subcultural identities, which can lead to a loss of authenticity.
How does one identify a subculture?
A subculture can be identified by its distinctive practices, values, dress codes, and often its own language or slang.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
