Subordinate culture

Definition

A subordinate culture refers to a group within a larger society that is marginalized or oppressed, often characterized by its distinct beliefs, practices, and values that differ from those of the dominant culture. These cultures can arise in contexts where power dynamics create inequalities, leading to the preservation of unique identities in opposition to the mainstream. Subordinate cultures can manifest in various ways, including language, art, and social practices that resist assimilation into the dominant societal norms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Subordinate cultures often face systemic discrimination and are pushed to the margins of society, affecting their access to resources and opportunities.
2. Members of subordinate cultures may develop strong group identities as a form of resistance against the pressures of assimilation into the dominant culture.
3. The arts are a common medium for subordinate cultures to express their unique identities and resist cultural erasure by creating works that reflect their experiences and histories.
4. Cultural appropriation often involves elements of subordinate cultures being adopted by members of dominant cultures without understanding or respecting their origins, leading to exploitation.
5. Recognition of subordinate cultures is crucial for social change, as it brings attention to issues of inequality and helps validate diverse identities within the broader society.

Review Questions

• How do subordinate cultures navigate their identities within a dominant cultural framework?
  • Subordinate cultures navigate their identities by maintaining their distinct beliefs, practices, and values while also encountering pressures from the dominant culture. This navigation often involves a blend of resistance and adaptation, where members celebrate their unique heritage while finding ways to exist within the larger society. Through cultural expressions such as music, art, and language, they can assert their identity and counteract efforts aimed at erasure.
• Discuss the impact of cultural appropriation on subordinate cultures and their representation in society.
  • Cultural appropriation can have detrimental effects on subordinate cultures as it often involves the misrepresentation or commodification of their cultural elements by those in power. This process can strip these elements of their original meaning and significance while reinforcing stereotypes. It can also lead to a lack of authentic representation for subordinate groups in mainstream media, perpetuating cycles of marginalization and misunderstanding.
• Evaluate the role of cultural resistance in empowering subordinate cultures in contemporary society.
  • Cultural resistance plays a vital role in empowering subordinate cultures by allowing them to challenge and redefine their narratives in opposition to dominant societal norms. By actively asserting their cultural identities through various forms of expression—such as literature, art, and community activism—subordinate groups can create spaces for dialogue and awareness. This empowerment fosters resilience and solidarity among members, enabling them to advocate for social change and greater recognition within broader societal contexts.

Related terms

dominant culture:

The culture of the majority or the ruling group within a society that holds significant power and influence over social norms and values.

cultural hegemony:

The ways in which a dominant culture maintains its dominance over subordinate cultures through control of cultural institutions and practices.

cultural resistance: The acts and strategies employed by subordinate cultures to oppose and challenge the dominance of the prevailing culture.