What do we call the beliefs and practices that persist even within a larger, dominant culture?

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Prepare for the UCF SYG2000 Introduction to Sociology Exam. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with detailed explanations to enhance your understanding and increase your chances of success!

The term that best describes beliefs and practices that persist even within a larger, dominant culture is subcultures. A subculture is a group of people within a larger culture that differentiates itself through distinct values, behaviors, or interests. This can include anything from specific musical tastes, fashion choices, to unique linguistic styles or rituals that set them apart from the mainstream culture.

Subcultures develop their own identity while still coexisting with the dominant culture, often enriching the diversity of society by introducing alternative perspectives and lifestyles. For instance, the skateboarding community, goth culture, or certain religious groups can be identified as subcultures, as they maintain their patterns of belief and behavior in contrast to the larger culture around them.

The other terms mentioned do not accurately capture this idea. Normative cultures generally refer to the set of norms that are prevalent in a society, while micro cultures are smaller, localized cultural groupings that may not function independently of the dominant culture. Inclusive cultures emphasize combining various cultural practices rather than distinct subsets within a larger culture. Thus, subcultures is the most precise term for groups maintaining their identity alongside a dominant societal framework.