What defines a subculture?

A subculture is defined as a group that shares certain beliefs, values, and behaviors that distinguish it from the larger culture while still existing within it. This means that members of a subculture often maintain a unique identity and practices that set them apart, but they are not entirely separate from the broader societal framework. For instance, youth subcultures like goth or punk have their own distinct styles and ideologies, yet they navigate and interact within the mainstream culture.

The notion of being part of a larger society is crucial as it allows for interaction, exchange of ideas, and sometimes even influence between the subculture and the mainstream culture. This connection can lead to the evolution of both the subculture's values and the larger culture itself over time.

The other options reflect misunderstandings about subcultures. A separate society with no connection to the larger culture implies complete isolation, which is not characteristic of subcultures, as they typically retain some relationship with the mainstream. A cultural group that rejects all mainstream customs describes a more extreme ideology and does not represent the more nuanced existence of a subculture. Finally, a temporary group formed for a specific event lacks the enduring characteristics of a subculture, which usually has persistent beliefs and practices over a longer time frame.