In sociology, a subculture is a group of people within a cultural society that differentiates itself from the larger culture to which it belongs, often maintaining some of its founding principles. Subcultures are social groups organized around shared interests and practices, and they are generally perceived to deviate from the normative standards of the dominant culture/03%3A_Culture/3.04%3A_Culture_Worlds/3.4A%3A_Subcultures). The term "subculture" usually designates relatively transient groups studied apart from their families and domestic or private settings, with an emphasis instead on voluntary, informal, and organic affiliations formed either in the unregulated public space of the street, or conversely within and against the disciplinary structure of enforced institutionalization.

Some key points about subcultures include:

• Subcultures incorporate large parts of the broader cultures of which they are part, but in specifics, they may differ radically/03%3A_Culture/3.04%3A_Culture_Worlds/3.4A%3A_Subcultures).
• The study of subcultures often consists of the study of symbolism attached to clothing, music, and other visible affectations by members of subcultures/03%3A_Culture/3.04%3A_Culture_Worlds/3.4A%3A_Subcultures).
• Subcultures exist because the dominant culture does not meet the needs or interests of members of the particular subculture.
• Examples of subcultures include hippies, environmental activists, punks, goths, and many more.
• Subcultures are dependent on context, and their behaviors, norms, and values differ in some distinct ways from the dominant culture.

In summary, a subculture is a group of people within a larger culture that differentiates itself from the dominant culture and maintains its own set of values, norms, and cultural patterns.