Sociology Fall Project
Subcultures and Countercultures Assignment
(100 points) – Due Friday, October 11th, 2013
Create a Power Point, a written research paper, movie, or poster to address the following question:
How do subcultures and countercultures reflect diversity within American society?
(10 points each for the items listed below)
You should include 5 examples of subcultures and 5 examples of countercultures. (Some examples of
subcultures and countercultures are provided below.)
2. Provide background information on two (2) of the groups and explain how the groups came to be a
part of American society.
3. Explore the reaction of other groups to the subcultures and countercultures.
4. Explain what elements make the group a subculture or counterculture.
5. Explain how the groups add to diversity, but also can create tension and conflict.
6. Use key terms associated with your subculture, include language differences and slang
7. Explain negative and positive impact, images, and stereotypes associated with the group
8. Explain relevant traditions, customs, rituals and routines associated with the group
9. Discuss the value of evaluating groups by their own standards (cultural relativism)
10. Summarize, is cultural diversity through subcultures and countercultures a good or a bad?
1.
Subcultures Examples
Any ethnic group (Native Americans, Chinese, Hispanics)
Religious groups (Mormons, Moonies, Witnesses)
Senior Citizens
Teenagers
Vegans
Farmers or Cowboys or Coal Miners
Tea Party Members
Homosexuals
Goths, Punks, Geeks, or Trekkers
Knights of Columbus
Daughters of American Revolution
Masons
Entertainers
Countercultures Examples
Jihadists or Nation of Islam
Fundamentalist
Church of LDS (Bigamists)
Gangs
PETA
Ku Klux Klan
Militias such as Huteree
Hippies
Hells Angels
Mafia
Neo Nazis or Skinheads
Dooms Dayers/Survivalists
Cross Dressers
You may select other subcultures and countercultures, the above list was provided as suggestions. Please
speak with me before you decide on an alternative culture not listed above. If you choose to work with a
partner you must notify me by the end of the first research day. We will have at least 2 computer days as a
class, it will be necessary for you to work on your project outside of class.
Project counts as 2 TEST Grades. Due Friday, October 11th, 2013