Microculture

Microculture refers to specialized subgroups within industrial societies that have distinct languages, values, and norms. Unlike broader categories such as race or class, microcultures are rooted in smaller units like dyads or local communities. They are often short-lived and voluntarily formed.

The study of kinesics, which examines nonverbal behavior in small groups, aids in understanding the dynamics of these microcultures. Georg Simmel highlighted the particularist nature of honor tied to specific social subworlds and studied the role of secrecy in controlling meaning within microcultures.

Drawing an analogy to microclimates, microcultures are likened to localized cultural environments distinct from broader societal norms. Examples include pubs and racetracks, where social norms are temporarily relaxed. Kate Fox noted that racetracks foster a unique blend of disinhibition and good manners.

The rise of mass media has allowed individuals to form cohesive microcultures rather than engage with mainstream culture, leading to its erosion. Online spaces, especially during the early internet era, saw the emergence of microcultures like Slashdot, which influenced later developments such as Wikipedia's internal communities based on language or subject. The GNU project exemplifies how online platforms spawn diverse local communities.

Field research underscores that settings like hospitals or airports have their own microcultures affecting behavior and motivation. In literature, Night Watch illustrates how professions develop distinct microcultures, leading to isolation when outside these groups.

Overall, microcultures represent localized, specialized social systems within broader cultures, shaping interactions and norms in unique ways across various contexts.