Subculture

Choose a deviant subculture. [Remember, a subculture is more than a group–it is a bounded community and its members must interact with each other extensively and in so doing, create shared understandings, meanings, and values.]

Demonstrate, with evidence, that members of this subculture are in fact stigmatized, rejected, or discriminated against, then explain why—in what ways does this subculture run afoul of mainstream values or expectations?

How do people come to join this subculture, and what obstacles do they face as they enter or exit?

Next, discuss what is entailed by participation in the subculture—what do they do together?

What does the subculture do for them?

Does it advocate on their behalf? Is it trying to change society?

Why or why not? Finally, you should discuss popular misconceptions about this subculture.

If you were communications director for a related advocacy organization, what messages would you try to convey?

As you research this subculture, you may draw on secondary (e.g., articles and papers about the group) or primary (e.g., by interviewing members or observing the group) sources, so long as you do not put yourself or others at risk of physical danger, legal trouble, or other adverse consequences.