Essay Sample on Significance of a Subculture Within a Class

Like any other societal aspect, the subculture in this particular class is closely tied to social class. Therefore is paramount to explain the issue of subculture from a different angle to fit in the context of this class. In a more comprehensive definition, subculture can be described as a group of students who possess similar behaviors and ideas on the institution. Besides, since culture is defined by the characteristics and beliefs of a particular group, it is bound to be passed from one generation to another. Therefore subculture will dramatically vary in different situations and as people adapt to new needs. It is crucial to understand that subculture is not limited to a particular class setting, but it is prone to extend throughout the whole institution. Within this class, different students hold firmly to certain beliefs, attitudes, values, and customs, which are related to the racial and socioeconomic status of the students. There have been significant theoretical critics relating to the development of students' subcultures within a class, discussing its reasons and origins.

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My view on this case is that the issue is more complicated because the majority of students who get rooted in the anti-school subculture acquire their anti-school behaviors and attitude from outside the school; therefore, it is tricky to tackle the situation within the school comprehensively. For instance, most students have ties outside the institution; therefore, they tend to adopt behaviors that keep them together in the institution. Such students believe that involvement in this kind of subculture is guaranteed protection, respect, and material support, but the primary factor behind the emergence of this subculture is usually group pressure. In reality, boys are generally more vulnerable to fall within these groups; hence, gender is a potential determinant of subculture. Besides, most students feel empowered by being affiliated with these groups. As a newcomer, the chance of being initiated in these groups is usually very high since the coming lack of power to change the beliefs and norms of these groups.

Also, some of these cultures are indirectly nurtured by a group of teachers and administrators who fail to spread love amongst the students equally. This can be reflected in situations where rigid rules are applied to a particular group of scholars while excluding others. This behavior from teachers is usually accompanied by high classroom demands depriving the learners of the chance to experience independent success. Besides, most schools tend to operate under two main processes, differentiation, and polarization. This means that value is usually placed on students' attributes such as hard work, exam success, and likable behaviors. When this happens, polarization is created, which causes students within a classroom to be separated into different groups. "Some may stop studying and rather fail, while others may be truant and become rebellious."(Kekana, 25)Therefore, differentiation and labeling usually act as a framework for the development of subcultures within a class. For example, they are intimidating and laughing at other students within a class instead of learning.

Conclusion

A class has different subcultures, those that conform to the rules and regulations of the school and those that rebel toward the practices or beliefs of the school. As opposed to pro-subculture, anti-school subcultures are defined by delinquent values against those set by the school. However, studies show that these tend to change in the course of life.

Work Cited

Kekana, Mantime Elizabeth. Delinquent subcultures and their role in the school culture: a case study of eighth-grade students. Diss. University of Johannesburg, 1999.