Counterculture

A set of cultural ideas that, to some extent, differ from and conflict with, those generally upheld in the society. A counterculture develops when members of groups identify common values that distinguish them from others. These groups may be based on common appearance, ethnic group, sexuality, status, or social behavior. The term is close in meaning to subculture, but the concept of counterculture stresses the idea of open and active opposition to dominant cultural values.