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ON THE THREAT OF SUBCULTURES TO THE BUILDING OF THE STATE AND
SOCIETY
Zokirova Bahor Bekmuhammad kizi
First-year student of Tashkent State University of Law
Mail ID: zokirovabahor@icloud.com
Abstract:
This article analyzes the role of subcultures in the development of the state and
society from a systematic perspective. It explores the origins and characteristics of subcultures as
well as their impact on social processes. The study highlights negative aspects, including social
fragmentation, conflicts with core societal values, and potential threats to stability. The article
offers recommendations for policymakers on managing subcultural dynamics and integrating
them into societal development. The findings emphasize the importance of considering
subcultures in state cultural policies to ensure sustainable social progress.
Keywords:
subculture, social development, state policy, cultural diversity, social integration.
Introduction
In the current era of globalization and the development of information technologies, various
cultural movements and trends have emerged in all aspects of social life, among which
subcultures occupy a special place. A subculture is a cultural manifestation created by social
groups that differ from the main culture, but are inextricably linked with it. They have their own
worldview, values, customs and symbols, and are widespread among young people, art lovers or
people of a certain profession. Subcultures can have both positive and negative effects on the
development of the state and society. On the one hand, they appear as a source of social
innovation, a factor that develops creativity and cultural diversity. On the other hand, there is a
possibility that some subcultures may come into conflict with the main culture, cause social
conflicts and disagreements. Therefore, studying the phenomenon of subculture and determining
its place in the development of the state and society is an urgent issue.
The concept of subculture
"Subculture (from Latin: sub- "under" and culture) is a term in sociology, anthropology and
cultural studies, denoting a sharply different part of society's culture. A subculture is usually
characterized by its own system of values, special etiquette, manners, and clothing. Examples of
subcultures are national, geographical, professional, and age-related associations of people in any
large territorial region of the world. The origin of this term began to be used in the mid-20th
century after the publication of the book "The Lonely Crowd: A Study of the Changing
Character of America" by the American sociologist David Riesman. In the 50s, English
sociologists in their research introduced the concept of subculture as an association united by
similar interests, tastes, and goals. In their opinion, a subculture is formed by people who are
dissatisfied with generally accepted standards and values" [1: 15].
Ken Gelder identifies six main ways to understand the concept of subculture:
-by their often negative attitude towards work;
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-by their negative attitude towards mainstream culture, since subcultures are not "culture-
specific" and do not fit into the traditional cultural tariff;
-by their association with territory (street, club, etc.) rather than with property; -by their
transition from the home to forms of street life;
-by their excessive and exaggerated stylistic connections;
-by their rejection of the mundane aspects of ordinary life.
Through similar methods, we can gain a broader understanding of the concept of subculture.
TYPES OF SUBCULTURES AND THEIR NEGATIVE IMPACTS ON SOCIETY AND
THE STATE
1. Youth subculture. In many countries, young people are forming and joining their own
subcultures. Examples include emo, hip-hop, punk, anime fans, etc. According to a study
conducted in the USA by the Pew Research Center, approximately 40% of young people aged 16
to 29 consider themselves to belong to a particular subculture. These groups are often
distinguished by their music and clothing. Their danger is that when young people join
subcultures that differ from the general values of society, they may develop views that go
against general social norms. For example, the "emo" subculture is often associated with suicide
or other similar concepts of depression. To put this into perspective, in countries like Russia and
Mexico, there have been cases where some teenagers have committed suicide due to the
depressive themes of the emo subculture.
2. Internet and online subculture. In recent years, there has been a proliferation of online
subcultures through social networks. The number of members of subcultures such as "gamer"
and "anime" on the Internet is increasing. According to statistics, in 2022, the number of users
belonging to the gamer subculture exceeded 3.24 billion globally. This is equivalent to about
41% of the world's population. A dangerous aspect of this subculture is that some online
subcultures or anonymous forums are known for promoting radical views or recommending
suicide. Young people and people with weak mental health are falling under the influence of
such subcultures. In the early 2000s, several cases of suicide were observed in Japan under the
influence of subcultures that were engaged in suicide.
3. K-pop subculture. Korean pop music is becoming one of the most popular subcultures in the
world, and this is especially true for young people. "According to data provided by the Korea
Creative Content Agency in 2020, this subculture industry generated $ 10 billion in revenue per
year and its number of fans exceeded 100 million globally" [2]. Mass cultures such as K-pop
have negative effects on society and the state. This subculture is seen as a threat to national
culture in some countries. They are reducing the appreciation of their own culture among young
people.
4. Goth and punk subculture. These subcultures are especially widespread in Europe, and their
adherents often express themselves through musical styles and clothing. According to a survey
conducted in the UK in 2018, approximately 5% of young people considered themselves to
belong to the goth subculture. These subcultures tend to challenge traditional societal values and
can encourage social rebellion and disorder. In some countries, punk subculture groups have
been known to organize radical and anti-government protests, which can pose a threat to state
governance and social order.
5. "The quadrober subculture is a subculture that imitates the habits and movements of animals,
and is mainly spread among teenagers. They wear accessories and jewelry that reflect a certain
animal, such as a puppy, cat, monkey, etc., as well as gloves with tails, ears, paws and masks,
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and they are manifested among people with the movements of animals. This culture is evaluated
differently among people in society, some say it is useful, some say it is dangerous. This
subculture was discovered in Japan as a sport by Kenichi Ito, and now quadrobics, which has
emerged as this sport, is today alienating the future generation from human qualities and
bringing society closer to the brink of destruction" [3]. Not only children, but also adults
consciously allow this subculture to grow. Based on this, we can see that special food, clothes,
masks, etc. for quadrobers are found in stalls. According to experts, this subculture is gaining
popularity under the Western subculture. While quadrobers initially performed at various
festivals, today teenagers are using this method as part of their communication. This subculture
began to spread widely among Russian youth in the spring of 2024, and unfortunately, today the
number of young people with a quadrober subculture is increasing in Uzbekistan as well. "These
actions were observed in Tashkent on October 10-11, and quadrober children, imitating the
movements of a dog, attacked people" [3]. Officials and public activists have expressed their
opinions on this situation. "We are a people who, first of all, value kindness to every living
creature and not harming animals as important virtues of humanity. However, any nation
condemns any attempt to abandon being a human being, a slave to nature, to commit aggressive
acts that are observed in animals, and denies universal values. Quadrobery is especially
dangerous for young people who are impressionable, prone to imitation, and curious about new
things. It makes a child isolated from society, distant from people, and alienated from any rules
of conduct," says Otabek Khusanov, head of the Republican Center for Spirituality and
Enlightenment.
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE TO PREVENT THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF
SUBCULTURES?
Many measures can be taken to prevent the threat of subcultures to the state and society. These
actions are carried out through such means as strengthening the social environment, improving
the minds of young people, and establishing a spirit of mutual respect. The following can be
effective in preventing the threat of subcultures:
1. Strengthening the education system. Providing education based on healthy social values and
mutual respect in schools and universities. Introducing young people to national values and
history and forming a spirit of patriotism.
2. Organizing healthy entertainment and various activities for young people. Involving young
people in creative and sports activities, directing them to positive activities by organizing events
and clubs.
3. Increasing the importance of family education. Creating a healthy environment in the family,
giving children the right upbringing and valuable skills reduces the negative impact of
subcultures. This issue is also enshrined in legislation. This is also enshrined in our Constitution,
and failure to comply with Article 77 of our Constitution may result in administrative liability,
"Parents of minors are obliged to raise their children in the spirit of humanity, patriotism, hard
work, respect for spiritual, national, and universal values." 4. Explaining negative subcultures
and highlighting their harm. Providing young people with information about negative subcultures
and the dangers they pose. This is done through social networks such as YouTube, Instagram,
TikTok, the media, and television. Because many subcultures spread precisely through social
networks.
Conclusion
There are many subcultures in the world, and of course they have their negative aspects for the
development of society and the state. We need to use subcultures only in the right way. We need
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to stay away from dangerous subcultures and not be indifferent to similar situations around us.
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