The Industrial Subculture

Abstract

A subculture is a distinctive set of meanings shared by a group of people whose forms of behaviour differ to some extent from those of the wider society.¹ The distinctive nature of the set of meanings is maintained by ensuring that newcomers to the group undergo a process of learning or socialisation. This process links the individual to the values of the group, and generates common motives, common reaction patterns and common perceptual habits. Distinctiveness is also maintained by the use of sanctions which are operated against those who do not behave in appropriate ways.