Subcultures & Stereotypes
Stereotypical Nerds
Stereotypes
Stereotypes are categories that exist in our thinking that can be useful for understanding the world. A stereotype can be a group of people or things that are seen to have common characteristics. A well known stereotype is the “nerd”. As the adjoining photograph indicates, nerds are inclined towards intelectual pursuits indicated by the wearing of heavy framed glasses. Nerds are commonly held to have little dress sense. Their social rank especially in youth culture is low, they are not “cool”.
We need to be careful with stereotypes as they can be used to discriminate against people. Some would say that we need to abadon stereotypes altogether as they can cause us to misunderstand the world. They do not allow for the inevitable variety that exists amongst people, for example, a person may have intelectual interests but be well liked by their peers at the same time. Also, society is always changing. For example, “nerds” today have possibly become more acceptable than two or three decades ago given that many “nerds” are very powerful people e.g. Bill Gates.
Subcultures
Subcultures are groups within mainstream society that actively promote an identity which in some way contradicts dominant norms and values. When attempting to understand subcultures, one must be aware of the tendency towards stereotyping.
Subcultures identify and assert themselves in terms of:
- Dress
- Interests
- Activities
- Values and ideas
Examples from class discussion