Roberto Herrera

Assignment 1. Subcultures and Values

Who defines mainstream values in a society?

Mainstream values in a society are usually shaped by a combination of factors, including

cultural traditions, social norms, political institutions, economic forces, and media
representation. It is difficult to identify a single entity or group that solely defines mainstream
values in a society as it is an ongoing and constantly evolving process.
However, certain groups or institutions may have a significant influence on shaping and
reinforcing mainstream values. For example, political leaders, religious leaders, educators,
and media outlets can play a role in shaping societal values and norms through their
messages and actions.

Moreover, individuals and communities within a society also contribute to shaping

mainstream values through their collective behaviors, beliefs, and attitudes. Over time, these
collective actions and beliefs can become widely accepted and considered as mainstream
values.

It is worth noting that mainstream values are not static and can vary across different
societies and contexts. What is considered mainstream in one society or culture may not be
in another.

How does your own social environment shape your values?

Our social environment plays a significant role in shaping our values as individuals. Social
environment refers to the people, institutions, and cultures that surround us, including our
family, friends, school, workplace, media, and community.

There are several ways in which our social environment can shape our values:

1. Observational Learning: We learn by observing the behavior of others around us,

particularly those who are significant to us, such as family members, peers, and
teachers. Our observations of their actions, attitudes, and beliefs can influence our
own values.
2. Reinforcement: We are more likely to adopt values that are reinforced by the people
and institutions around us. For example, if we receive praise and recognition for
being honest, we are more likely to value honesty.
3. Socialization: Socialization is the process through which we learn cultural norms and
values. Our social environment can shape our values through this process by
introducing us to values that are considered important in our culture.
4. Exposure to Diversity: Our exposure to diverse social environments can broaden our
perspective and challenge our existing values. Exposure to people with different
backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences can encourage us to question our values and
adopt new ones.
 Roberto Herrera

Group or community Value

(Example) Punk ● individual freedoms

● anti-consumerism or corporate

Goth subculture ● dark fashion style, including black

clothing, makeup, and hairstyles
● goths like horror, gothic rock, and
industrial music.

Hip-hop subculture ● characterized by its music, dance,

fashion, and art.
● hip-hop music, which includes
rapping, DJing, and graffiti art, is a
significant aspect of this subculture.

Skateboarding subculture ● enters around the sport of

skateboarding and is characterized
by its fashion style, music, and art.
● skateboarders often wear baggy
clothing and sneakers and have an
interest in punk rock and hip-hop
music.
● skateboard art, which includes
graphic designs on skateboard
decks, is also a significant aspect of
this subculture.