A counterculture is a subculture that deliberately opposes certain aspects of the larger culture, often challenging its dominant norms, values, beliefs, and practices. Countercultures typically emerge as a reaction against mainstream culture and may advocate for alternative lifestyles, social structures, or political systems. Examples of countercultures throughout history include the hippie movement of the 1960s, which rejected mainstream consumerism and traditional values, and various punk subcultures that expressed rebellion through music, fashion, and attitudes. Countercultures can play a significant role in social change by questioning established norms and pushing the boundaries of cultural expression. While some aspects of a counterculture may eventually be absorbed into the mainstream, others may remain as distinct alternatives to the dominant culture.