The correct answer is c. subculture.

Explanation of the Correct Answer (Option C – Subculture):

Modern-day hipsters are indeed an example of a subculture. A subculture is a distinct cultural group within a larger culture that shares common values, interests, behaviors, and lifestyle choices that set them apart from the mainstream culture. Hipsters are characterized by their unique fashion choices, music preferences, alternative lifestyles, and a strong emphasis on individuality and non-conformity.

Here’s why hipsters are an example of a subculture:

Distinctive Style:

Hipsters are known for their distinctive style, which often includes vintage or retro clothing, quirky accessories, and a preference for independent or artisanal brands. This fashion choice sets them apart from the mainstream culture.

Alternative Music and Art:

Hipsters often gravitate toward alternative music genres and underground or indie bands. They also have an appreciation for independent art and culture, which distinguishes them from mainstream pop culture enthusiasts.

Lifestyle Choices:

Many hipsters embrace a countercultural lifestyle by opting for non-traditional living arrangements, such as communal living or tiny houses. They may also prioritize sustainability, veganism, and organic food choices, reflecting their distinctive values and lifestyle preferences.

Coffee and Craft Beer Culture:

Hipsters are associated with the resurgence of craft coffee and craft beer culture. They are known for their love of specialty coffee shops and microbreweries, further emphasizing their unique tastes and preferences.

Non-Conformity:

A key characteristic of hipsters is their rejection of mainstream trends and a desire to be non-conformist. They often seek out niche interests and subcultures that align with their values, which reinforces their status as a distinct subculture.

Online Communities:

Hipsters often gather in online communities and social media platforms where they can share their interests and connect with like-minded individuals. These virtual communities serve as hubs for the exchange of ideas, trends, and cultural practices that define the hipster subculture.

Why the Other Options Are Not Correct:

a. Ethnocentricity:

Ethnocentricity refers to the belief in the superiority of one’s own ethnic or cultural group over others. It involves a biased and often prejudiced perspective that places one’s culture at the center of judgment. Hipsters are not defined by ethnocentric beliefs; rather, they are a diverse group that embraces cultural influences from various sources.

b. Counterculture:

While hipsters exhibit countercultural tendencies by rejecting mainstream norms and values, they are not synonymous with counterculture as a whole. Counterculture refers to cultural movements that oppose or challenge dominant cultural practices or societal norms. Hipsters can be seen as a subset of counterculture, but not all countercultural movements are synonymous with hipster culture.

d. High Culture:

High culture typically refers to art, literature, and cultural activities that are considered refined and intellectually sophisticated. Hipster culture, while valuing alternative forms of art and culture, is not solely focused on high culture. Hipsters often embrace a mix of high and popular culture, with a preference for the eclectic and unconventional.

In summary, modern-day hipsters are a prime example of a subculture. They exhibit distinct fashion, music, lifestyle choices, and a strong emphasis on non-conformity that sets them apart from the mainstream culture.

While they share common values and interests within their subculture, they do not exhibit ethnocentric beliefs, represent all countercultural movements, or exclusively focus on high culture. Understanding hipsters as a subculture helps explain their unique cultural identity and lifestyle choices in the context of broader society.