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Reflection on Subcultures’ and Society Relations

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Reflection on Subcultures’ and Society Relations

Subcultures within society are subject to various types of inequality and oppression.

With the help of my journal entries, I have thought about two subcultures that enjoy varying

degrees of privilege, the privileged subculture of heterosexual, masculine-appearing guys and

the unprivileged subculture of college-level athletes. While these categories encounter

various disparities, they all have the same sentiments of being evaluated and treated unfairly

due to circumstances beyond their influence. The relationship between these subcultures and

other community sections and how they experience comparable stratification operations will

be examined in this article. Despite having varying degrees of advantages, collegiate athletes

and heterosexual and masculine-presenting guys confront prejudice and are characterized

according to societal stereotypes.

The Privileged Subculture

Belonging to the community of a privileged subculture of straight and masculine

presenting guys has given me the freedom to move about without worrying about prejudice

and condemnation. Being straight and presenting as either a man or a woman has been the

standard in society, and whatever deviates from this is frequently seen as abnormal. People

who recognize themselves as heterosexuals or belonging to the LGBTQ+ community

experience prejudice and are made fun of because of the individuals they are (Dunlop et al.,

2022). The idea that identifying as something apart from straight is a transgression and that

individuals who do so will burn in hell contributes to this. Society sees individuals who do

not conform to this ideal negatively and abnormally.

In addition, I am free to be out in the community with my partner without worrying

about being attacked or ridiculed since I am a heterosexual guy with a macho appearance. For

people who belong to the LGBTQ+ community, however, it is not the situation since they

frequently endure physical assault and verbal assault simply because of their identities
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(Anderson, 2020). There has been disappointment and disillusionment in response to the

LGBTQ+ community’s attempts to be afforded the same opportunities as heterosexual

people. Their sexual orientation is used against them as a weapon by society, which views it

as a sign of weakness. It is an unfair and discriminatory oppression that only serves to further

inequality. Life is challenging for those in this community because they fear being physically

harmed, rejected, and condemned. Discrimination of this type often occurs in various

settings, including employment, schools, and public areas like malls. It is crucial to

acknowledge that this prejudice does not simply affect members of the LGBTQ+ community.

However, it also impacts populations of colour, those with disabilities, and other oppressed

groups. People who enjoy privileges and advantages like income, education, and social

standing are also included in the privileged subculture, which is not simply restricted to

heterosexual men and people who identify as such.

It might be challenging to see the privilege associated with conforming to this

standard since the concept that is appearing straight and male is the norm is firmly engrained

in society. Instead of being something I deliberately selected, it is a luxury I was given at

birth. This insight caused me to think about how my privilege influences how I communicate

and relate with other individuals and how I may utilize it to foster an atmosphere that is more

welcoming and inclusive of individuals who do not conform to society’s imposed norms.

Additionally, I have discovered that just because I am a member of the exclusive

group of heterosexual, masculine-presenting guys, it does not imply that I am subject to

prejudice or persecution. It is crucial to understand that privilege does not provide complete

immunity from all types of discrimination and that there are many different ways in which

someone might be discriminated against. Because of this, I am more capable of empathizing

with others who experience various types of prejudice and utilizing my privilege to promote

social justice and equality.

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The Underprivileged Subculture

The underprivileged subculture is another group that faces severe discrimination and

stereotyping by the general population. College athletes, for instance, are a target of

discrimination and stereotyping by the general society. College players are frequently

stereotyped as haughty, affluent, drunken, irresponsible, and solely interested in going out to

parties. This misconception feeds the idea that collegiate athletes are given preferential

treatment and are not subject to the same regulations as other students. It is unjust and

encourages inequality to discriminate and stereotype in this way. This unjust portrayal

disregards the enormous strain athletes experience on and off the playing field.

Additionally, college athletes are subjected to much intimidation and abuse whenever

they play or compete poorly. It is unreasonable and creates undue pressure on them to think

that they must constantly be at the highest level of their form (Zvosec et al., 2023).

Furthermore, students feel they can get away with anything regarding drinking given their

athletic position, even though their institution is known as a “party school,” which is

inaccurate. Other pupils develop false preconceptions toward them due to this stereotype,

which makes them envious of them. This sort of discrimination maintains inequalities in

society. College athletes are constantly in the public eye, and every slip-up can result in

severe criticism or threats (Zvosec et al., 2023). Furthermore, assuming that players are above

legal boundaries because of their sports status and can get away with anything is damaging

and untrue. Like everybody else, athletes must receive just and fair treatment and should be

solely responsible for their acts.

College athletes experience prejudice, stereotypes, and institutional problems that

exacerbate their marginalization. As an illustration, the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic

Association) makes money from the labor of collegiate players, who are paid next to nothing

for their commitment and hard work (Stokowski et al., 2019). Athletes from lower
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socioeconomic origins are particularly affected by this lack of compensation since they may

find it difficult to pay for basic needs like food and shelter while their institutions benefit

from their accomplishments. Additionally, it is sometimes difficult for collegiate players to

pursue hobbies or jobs outside their sport. This challenge results from the time commitment

needed for team activities, including training, games, and other commitments. Athletes may

have fewer options for developing personally and professionally due to this lack of flexibility,

making them more susceptible to being taken advantage of by colleges and coaches.

Overall, it is critical to acknowledge the difficulties that collegiate athletes experience

and to fight to undermine the norms and assumptions that support their discrimination. This

process may entail fighting against unfavorable perceptions and presumptions about

collegiate athletes’ goals and personality and campaigning for their just salary and perks.

People can build a more equitable and just community if they acknowledge the inherent

worth and dignity of everyone, regardless of their upbringing or social station.

Similar Stratification Processes

Even though the two subcultures have different levels of privilege, they actually go

through identical social stratification processes. Based on unfounded preconceptions and

stereotypes, both categories are assessed. Anything that deviates from these standards is

viewed as abnormal and inferior by society, which creates rules that people must follow. As a

result, society becomes more biased and unequal. Additionally, because of their presumed

level of privilege, both subcultures face resentment and opposition from others. While

heterosexual and masculine presenting guys are perceived to be ordinary and not subject to

prejudice, college athletes are supposed to have everything given to them. Both of these

presumptions are false and contribute to the persistence of inequalities. Regardless of their

social situation, colour, sexual orientation, gender identity, or athletic skill level,

privileged and unprivileged subculture members experience prejudice and unfair treatment.
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It is crucial to remember that society has demanded the privileged subculture of

heterosexual, masculine-presenting guys and the unprivileged subculture of college athletics.

People must abide by socially established standards, and individuals who fail to conform to

such standards are frequently judged and subject to discrimination. College athletes are

responsible for performing in their particular sports, whereas straight, masculine-presenting

guys must conform to established gender stereotypes. However, these standards can

potentially be detrimental and support inequity. For instance, burnout, psychological and

physical well-being issues, and lack of consideration for other facets of their lifestyles due to

the pressure placed on collegiate players to achieve in their sport (Zvosec et al., 2023). Toxic

masculinity, a lack of mental agility, and disrespect for individuals who fall short of certain

gender categories can result from expecting heterosexual, masculine-presenting males to

adhere to established gender standards.

Furthermore, maintaining preconceived notions and prejudices about these

subcultures might result in oppression and prejudice. For instance, beliefs that college

athletes are privileged and immune from the law may cause them to feel anger and hostility

from their fellow students. Similarly, perceptions about straight, masculine-presenting men

being “normal” and not experiencing prejudice might cause their encounters to be forgotten

and detrimental gender standards to continue. Furthermore, the emergence of these

subcultures demonstrates how society is fundamentally unjust and how power relations are

crucial in deciding one’s place within it. People who society considers privileged frequently

have easier access to social amenities and possibilities, whereas people who society views as

unprivileged deal with more difficulties and problems in their everyday lives. Overall, social

standards and expectations contribute to the stratification between the privileged society of

straight, masculine-presenting guys and the unprivileged society of college athletes. As a

result of these assumptions, inequalities may continue and become worse. Additionally,
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prejudice and injustice might result from stereotypes and presumptions about these

subcultures.

Conclusion

The two subcultures of privileged and unprivileged are stratified similarly by society,

showing how fundamentally unfair society is towards the two subcultures. It is essential to

acknowledge the difficulties that each subculture experiences and strive toward building a

society with greater equity and justice in which all individuals can get the same opportunities

and assets. It is crucial to pay attention to the perspectives of frequently overlooked and

disenfranchised individuals and to collaborate. Society establishes norms that people must

follow based on their subculture. It views deviation from these standards as aberrant and

inferior. As a result, there will be inequality and prejudice in society. It is crucial to

acknowledge and confront these cultural norms and standards to foster respect and fairness

for all people, irrespective of their subculture.

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References

Anderson, S. M. (2020). Gender matters: The perceived role of gender expression in

discrimination against cisgender and transgender LGBQ individuals. Psychology of

Women Quarterly, 44(3), 323-341. https://doi.org/10.1177/0361684320929354’

Dunlop, B. J., Hunter, C., Shafti, M., Coleman, S. E., Hartley, S., & Taylor, P. J. (2022).

‘Why is it so different now I’m bisexual?’: young bisexual people’s experiences of

identity, belonging, self-injury, and COVID19. Psychology & Sexuality, 13(3), 756-

773. https://doi.org/10.1080/19419899.2021.1924241

Stokowski, S., Paule-Koba, A. L., & Kaunert, C. (2019). Former College Athletes’

Perceptions of Adapting to Transition. Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics.

http://csri-jiia.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/RA_2019_19.pdf.pdf

Zvosec, C. C., Baer, N., Hughes, M., Oja, B., Kim, M., Dahlin, S., & Howell, S. M. (2023).

The Career Transitions of High-Profile Student-Athletes: Identity, Role Engulfment,

and Psychological Well-Being. Journal of Athlete Development and Experience, 5(1),

4. https://doi.org/10.25035/jade.05.01.04