counterculture
UK: ˈkaʊntəˌkʌltʃə | US: ˈkaʊntərˌkʌltʃər
n. a way of life and set of attitudes opposed to or at variance with the prevailing social norm
n. a cultural group or movement that rejects or challenges mainstream values and practices
The word "counterculture" emerged in the 1960s, combining "counter-" (from Latin contra, meaning "against") and "culture" (from Latin cultura, "cultivation" or "way of life"). It reflects a deliberate opposition to dominant societal norms, often associated with youth movements, artistic expression, or political dissent. The morphemes preserve their original meanings while forming a cohesive concept of resistance to mainstream culture.
The hippie movement was a prominent example of 1960s counterculture.
Punk music became a voice for counterculture in the 1970s.
Some scholars study counterculture as a force for social change.
The novel explores the clash between counterculture and traditional values.
Digital platforms now enable new forms of counterculture to flourish globally.