According to sociologists, members of a counterculture __. A adhere to cultural traits that are more accessible to all members of society B separate themselves from but do not wish to change the dominant culture C push back and against and seek to change the dominant culture D only adhere to cultural traits which are popular within the dominant culture
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is C: push back against and seek to change the dominant culture.
Sociologists define a counterculture as a group that actively opposes and challenges the prevailing norms, values, and practices of the dominant culture. Members of a counterculture do not simply seek to separate themselves from the larger society; rather, they want to create social change by introducing alternative ways of living, thinking, and organizing.
One key characteristic of countercultures is their rejection of mainstream cultural practices and ideologies. This rejection is often driven by a belief that the dominant culture is flawed, oppressive, or unjust. Countercultures push back against societal norms through various means, such as alternative lifestyles, protests, art, music, and even political activism. A famous example is the 1960s counterculture, often associated with the hippie movement. This group opposed the Vietnam War, materialism, and conventional social roles. They advocated for peace, environmentalism, and sexual liberation.
Furthermore, countercultures are not merely passive in their resistance; they typically strive to transform society in a significant way. They challenge ideas about authority, race, gender, and identity, aiming to create a world that aligns more with their values. For instance, the feminist movement and LGBTQ+ rights groups have been countercultures at various times, pushing against the traditional views held by mainstream society.
In contrast, other options are less accurate. For example, option A refers more to the behavior of subcultures, which exist alongside the dominant culture but do not seek to overthrow or radically change it. Option B describes groups that may be isolated or detached but do not necessarily strive for societal change. Lastly, option D is contradictory because countercultures typically reject popular norms rather than follow them.