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Academic research on sociology with distinction
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Academic research on sociology with distinction
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Culture and Subculture in the UkComprehending other cultures within the United Kingdom contributes to the
development of social cohesion, inclusivity, and individual experiences, thereby
mitigating biases and fostering a sense of oneness within the community.
Additionally, it improves educational experiences and fosters the development of
global societal abilities (Qiu, 1970).
Within the United Kingdom, the sociological constructs of culture, subculture, and
identity are complex concepts that contribute to understanding the multifaceted
nature of the social realm. Culture is the combined set of traditions, beliefs, and
actions of a certain group of people. Generations pass down all acquired information
and habits, excluding natural events. Cultural heritage encompasses a range of
distinctive elements, such as concepts, principles, practices, creative achievements,
and other manifestations of human endeavour and intellectual capacity, which are
exclusive to a particular culture or collective. Raymond Williams, a renowned cultural
theorist, defined culture as a multifaceted concept in the English language,
highlighting its extensive and subtle characteristics. According to Anderson et al.
(1999), they perceived culture as the manifestation of concepts and significance
through everyday actions, learning, and inventive endeavours. Christopher Jencks
(1993) posits that culture can be understood as a cognitive framework that
encompasses notions of superiority, elitism, and appropriate conduct. While some
societies are considered more advanced, others receive recognition for their artistic
and intellectual accomplishments. Culture encompasses the lifestyle of a certain
group, exemplifying cultural relativism, a viewpoint that regards cultures as separate
entities rather than superior or inferior to one another (Jenks, 2004).
Haralambos classifies culture into distinct categories: folk culture, mass or popular
culture, high culture, and low culture. Folk culture encompasses the customary
behaviours exhibited by prevalent local populations that are rooted in long-standing
traditions. Mass culture, often known as popular culture, refers to cultural products
created by media corporations to attract a wide audience and generate profit. High
culture includes artistic creations that certain individuals consider valuable
achievements, such as classical music and opera. Haralambos & Holborn (2000)
employ the term "low culture" in a derogatory manner to describe cultures that are
considered inferior or devoid of worth.
Subcultures are distinct cultural factions within a larger culture, usually characterised
by unique viewpoints or interests. Subcultural groups arise because of shared
interests, hobbies, lifestyles, or affiliations that deviate from the prevailing culture.
Individuals often conform to their assigned values, attitudes, and actions, which may
at times clash with or diverge from wider cultural norms. Prominent subcultures
within the United Kingdom encompass Mods, Skinheads, Punks, New Romantics,
Goths, and Swinging London. Moreover, the United Kingdom is home to various
subcultures, including but not limited to gaming, non-mainstream religious groups,
, hippies, individuals with a penchant for spirituality, political movements, adherents of
stringent dietary practices such as paleo and veganism, cyclists, and aficionados of
role-playing games (Vyain et al., 2016).
Identity refers to the way individuals or groups understand and articulate their self-
concept. The development of self-awareness occurs when individuals acquire
independence from their familial environments and define their societal roles. Identity
can be influenced by numerous factors, including but not limited to gender, colour,
socioeconomic status, nationality, geography, and age. The exploration and
expression of one's identity are contingent upon the presence and influence of
culture (Swann & Talaifar, 2018).
Culture encompasses various good aspects, such as the preservation of historical
heritage, the cultivation of collective identity and unity, the transmission of values
and knowledge, and the enrichment of society via diversity. Culture has the potential
to enhance creativity, foster social unity, and enhance mutual comprehension and
empathy among heterogeneous populations. Nevertheless, culture can also exhibit
detrimental characteristics. Neglecting to acknowledge cultural disparities or
perceiving one culture as superior can lead to divisions and disputes within society.
Cultural norms have the potential to curtail individual autonomy and sustain inequity.
Subcultures possess the capacity to foster a collective feeling of identity and
community but concurrently endorse behaviours or ideas that may be detrimental or
incongruous with the prevailing standards of the dominant societal framework
(Williams, 1981).
Understanding the complex social connections in the United Kingdom requires a
thorough knowledge of the basic sociological principles related to culture, subculture,
and identity. Understanding the linkages between individuals and groups, as well as
the importance of self-awareness and societal impacts, is crucial (Vyain, 2016).
The perspectives of functionalism and Marxism/neo-Marxism present contrasting
opinions regarding culture and subculture, contributing to a comprehensive
comprehension of their societal roles and characteristics. Functionalists view culture
as a unifying influence that connects society. Some propose that culture promotes
social unity and structure by providing a shared set of rules and values.
Functionalists, exemplified by Emile Durkheim, claim that culture emerges because
of the inherent human need to classify and understand the cosmos. It fosters a
collective moral consensus among members of society, shaping their actions and
fostering unity (Nickerson, 2024).
According to prominent functionalist Talcott Parsons, culture serves as the
fundamental basis for consensus, a critical factor in facilitating the effective
functioning of society. Culture serves as a mechanism for fostering social unity by
encouraging adherence to shared standards and values that facilitate collaboration
and structure (Parsons, 2006). Functionalism has been subject to criticism by
scholars due to its perceived inability to recognise the wide range of cultures present
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