Counterculture
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In [[sociology]], '''counterculture''' is a term used to describe a [[cultural group]] whose values and norms of behavior run counter to those of the [[social]] [[mainstream]] of the day, the cultural equivalent of [[political]] [[Opposition (politics)|opposition]]. Although distinct countercultural undercurrents exist in all societies, here the term '''counterculture''' refers to a more significant, visible phenomenon that reaches critical mass and persists for a period of time. A counterculture movement thus expresses the ethos, aspirations and dreams of a specific population during a certain period of time — a social manifestation of ''[[zeitgeist]]''. | In [[sociology]], '''counterculture''' is a term used to describe a [[cultural group]] whose values and norms of behavior run counter to those of the [[social]] [[mainstream]] of the day, the cultural equivalent of [[political]] [[Opposition (politics)|opposition]]. Although distinct countercultural undercurrents exist in all societies, here the term '''counterculture''' refers to a more significant, visible phenomenon that reaches critical mass and persists for a period of time. A counterculture movement thus expresses the ethos, aspirations and dreams of a specific population during a certain period of time — a social manifestation of ''[[zeitgeist]]''. | ||
- | In contemporary times, ''counterculture'' came to prominence in the news media as it was used to refer to the [[youth rebellion]] that swept [[North America]], [[Western Europe]], [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]] during the [[1960]]s and early [[1970s]]. Earlier countercultural milieux in 19th century Europe included the traditions of [[Romanticism]], [[Bohemianism]] and of the [[Dandy]]. Another important movement existed in a more fragmentary form in the [[1950s]], both in Europe and the US, in the form of the [[Beat generation]] ([[Beatniks]]), who typically sported beards, wore roll-neck sweaters, read the novels of [[Albert Camus]] and listened to [[Jazz music]]. | + | In contemporary times, ''counterculture'' came to prominence in the news media as it was used to refer to the [[youth rebellion]] that swept [[American counterculture|North America]], [[European counterculture|Western Europe]], [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]] during the [[1960]]s and early [[1970s]]. Earlier countercultural milieux in 19th century Europe included the traditions of [[Romanticism]], [[Bohemianism]] and of the [[Dandy]]. Another important movement existed in a more fragmentary form in the [[1950s]], both in Europe and the US, in the form of the [[Beat generation]] ([[Beatniks]]), who typically sported beards, wore roll-neck sweaters, read the novels of [[Albert Camus]] and listened to [[Jazz music]]. |
''Counterculture'' is generally used to describe a [[theological]], [[cultural]], attitudinal or material position that does not conform to accepted societal norms. Yet, counterculture movements are often co-opted to spearhead commercial campaigns. Thus once taboo ideas (men wearing a woman's color — pink, for example) sometimes become popular trends. | ''Counterculture'' is generally used to describe a [[theological]], [[cultural]], attitudinal or material position that does not conform to accepted societal norms. Yet, counterculture movements are often co-opted to spearhead commercial campaigns. Thus once taboo ideas (men wearing a woman's color — pink, for example) sometimes become popular trends. |
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In sociology, counterculture is a term used to describe a cultural group whose values and norms of behavior run counter to those of the social mainstream of the day, the cultural equivalent of political opposition. Although distinct countercultural undercurrents exist in all societies, here the term counterculture refers to a more significant, visible phenomenon that reaches critical mass and persists for a period of time. A counterculture movement thus expresses the ethos, aspirations and dreams of a specific population during a certain period of time — a social manifestation of zeitgeist.
In contemporary times, counterculture came to prominence in the news media as it was used to refer to the youth rebellion that swept North America, Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand during the 1960s and early 1970s. Earlier countercultural milieux in 19th century Europe included the traditions of Romanticism, Bohemianism and of the Dandy. Another important movement existed in a more fragmentary form in the 1950s, both in Europe and the US, in the form of the Beat generation (Beatniks), who typically sported beards, wore roll-neck sweaters, read the novels of Albert Camus and listened to Jazz music.
Counterculture is generally used to describe a theological, cultural, attitudinal or material position that does not conform to accepted societal norms. Yet, counterculture movements are often co-opted to spearhead commercial campaigns. Thus once taboo ideas (men wearing a woman's color — pink, for example) sometimes become popular trends.
See also
- Subversive
- Anti-establishment
- Subculture
- list of counterculture films
- Lipstick Traces: A Secret History of the 20th Century
- Counterculture of the 1960s
- History of subcultures in the 20th century
By region
- American counterculture "American counterculture"
- European counterculture "European counterculture"
- Belgian counterculture "Belgian counterculture"
- French counterculture "french counterculture"
- Italian counterculture "Italian counterculture"
- German counterculture "German counterculture"
- Dutch counterculture "Dutch counterculture"