Subcultures are smaller groups within a larger culture that have their own unique styles, interests, beliefs, or traditions.

They can form around music, fashion, hobbies, gaming, sports, or social movements.

Subcultures often create a sense of belonging for people who don't fully identify with mainstream culture.

WWD (2024) What Swifties Wore to the Eras Tour Concerts: Friendship Bracelets, Vibrant Accessories and More, URL

• Punk rockers, Swifties or other Music Fans

• Skaters

• Bikers / Revheads / Car Enthusiast

• Cosplayer

• LGBTQIAA+ communities

• Faith based groups (e.g. Christianity, Buddhism, Islam)

• Gaming communities

• Horror Movie Lovers

• Athletes

• Horse girls

• Reddit commenters

Diversity within Diversity:

Subcultures highlight that culture is made up of many layers, shaped by different groups with their own styles, values, and interests.

Belonging and Identity:

They offer spaces for people to connect with others who share similar tastes, experiences, or worldviews — especially when those interests aren’t reflected in mainstream culture.

Challenging Norms:

Subcultures can question dominant trends or values, influencing everything from fashion and music to social attitudes and public spaces.

Activity

•  Fill out an identity map that shows your personal culture and influences.

Think About

• Family

• Background

• Music you listen to

• Hobbies and interests

• Groups or communities you belong to

• Places you feel connected to

Activity

•  Find a photo on your phone or social media that shows something about your culture, hobbies, family traditions, or a group you identify with.

Pair & Share

• Share your photo with a partner.

• Explain why you chose it.

In Your Next Assessment

•   You are going to create a photographic series about culture or subculture.

Plan by Reflecting

• Will you focus on mainstream culture or a subculture you belong to or are interested in?

• Will your photos challenge stereotypes, like Anne Zahalka’s work does?

• How could your images make people think differently about Australian identity?

Activity

• What parts of your identity feel “mainstream”?

• What parts connect to a subculture?

• How could you visually represent the real Australia — beyond stereotypes?