Subcultures and Counterculture
2.2 Investigate the existence of subcultures and countercultures in Canadian society.
Subcultures- a group of people who share a distinct set of cultural beliefs and behaviours that differ
from that of the larger society. Ex. The Hutterites (live on communes or colonies, practice their
religious beliefs, have little social contact with mainstream society, their norms, values, and
identities differ from mainstream society. They focus on “community” rather than the “individual”.
Countercultures – a group that strongly REJECTS dominant societal values and norms. They also
seek a different lifestyle.
Examples:
Beatnicks of the 1950s
Flower Children 1960s
Drug users
1970s
KKK – associated with hate crimes, sometimes politically motivated
Neo- Nazi skinheads - associated with hate crimes, sometimes politically
Motivated
Research one subculture and one counterculture that exist in Canadian society. Make a Power
Point presentation for each one by answering the following:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
Where, in Canada, do these subcultures and countercultures exist? (include a map) 2 pts
What are their norms (rules or behaviours)?
2 pts
Do they use any symbols to identify themselves? (if yes, state the symbol)
2 pts
What are the group’s values (ideas about what they believe to be right and wrong)? 2 pts
What does each group believe (philosophy)? Ex. To rid the world of aliens.
2 pts
Are they dangerous to society? Explain
2 pts
Could this subculture or counterculture be living in Sackville? Explain
2 pts
Include appropriate photos or images throughout.
1 pt
Total /15
Chart/ Rubric: Fill in using point form
Names
Norms
Symbols
(rules or
behaviours)
1 pt each
Subculture #1
_______________
Located in:
Subculture #2
_______________
Located in:
Counterculture #1
_______________
Located in:
Counterculture #2
_______________
Located in:
1 pt each
/ 20
Values
Philosophy
(ideas about
what they
believe to be
right and
wrong) 1 pt
each
(idea behind
this group)
1 pt each
Could this
culture exist
in Sackville?
Explain
1 pt each