In this three-page (double-spaced, 12 pt. font) essay, you will be conducting a sociological analysis of a subculture of your choice. Find a documentary, docuseries episode, or piece of video journalism, at least one hour long, that documents a subculture of interest to you (see below for examples). Biographical documentaries are not an appropriate choice for this assignment.
You can use any streaming service you subscribe to or take advantage of free streaming services such as Kanopy (sign in with your Bruin account) or YouTube. While watching the documentary, take note of the three elements of culture: material, cognitive, and normative that are portrayed.
Introduction: Begin your essay with a brief (one or two paragraphs) synopsis of the documentary you watched. Be specific about the place, time period, and group of people whose lives were documented.
Body: Describe in-depth the material, cognitive, and normative culture that you observed. Be sure to apply concepts from the textbook throughout. Spend at least a paragraph each on the following elements of culture, as discussed in your textbook:
Material culture: What physical objects are incorporated into the subculture? Examples of material culture to discuss include tools, clothing, and other objects.
Cognitive culture:
Language: What terms, symbols, and/or nonverbal expressions are unique to the subculture? Does the subculture have its own argot?
Values: What are the shared conceptions of what is considered good/bad or desirable/undesirable to members of the subculture?
Beliefs: What beliefs do members of the subculture share?
Knowledge: What knowledge is specific to the subculture? For example, technical or esoteric knowledge.
Normative culture:
Norms: What rules for behavior has the subculture established? What sanctions exist within the subculture to enforce norms?
Conclusion: Conclude your essay with a discussion of what your analysis reveals about the construction of culture as well as how culture both enables and constrains behavior.
Examples of subcultures and documentaries:
Sommeliers: Somm (2012). This can be found on Hulu.
Punk Rockers: American Hardcore (2006).
Antiquarian Booksellers: The Booksellers (2020).
Rock Climbers: Valley Uprising (2014). This can be found on Amazon Prime Video.
Drag Ball: Paris is Burning (1990).
Roller Derby: Roller Life (2016). This can be found on Hulu.
Graffiti Artists: Style Wars (1983).
