The main typologies of youth subcultures and their functions in modern society

The article is devoted to the analysis of the problem of classifying subcultures and identifying their functionality in modern society in connection with their spread against the background of sociocultural changes, as well as under the influence of globalization. Subcultures are seen as forms of alternative identity, symbolic resistance, and social expression. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the causes of their occurrence in historical and social contexts, as well as to the identification of criteria by which certain communities are distinguished as subcultural. It is noted that subcultures are distinguished by a specific set of norms, values, and ideological and aesthetic attitudes inherent in a particular social group, which may not coincide or conflict with those officially recognized in society. This may be the cult of freedom (hippies), technological individualism (cyberpunk), spiritual search, etc. Subcultures, although marginal, have internal consistency based on a common system of values, beliefs, symbols, and behaviors. Subcultures are distinguished according to a set of criteria, from symbolic stylistics to ideological positions and group self—identification. The article analyzes the functions of subcultures in modern society, in particular, how subcultures influence socialization, protest, integration and innovation.