A subculture is a segment of society that shares a distinctive pattern of mores (norms deemed highly necessary to the welfare of a society), folkways (norms governing everyday social behaviour), values, beliefs, and often behaviours that differ from the dominant patterns of the larger society to which it belongs. Members of a subculture typically identify with each other and may share common interests, lifestyles, or social characteristics that set them apart from the mainstream culture. Subcultures can emerge based on a variety of factors, including age, ethnicity, social class, religion, occupation, sexual orientation, or shared hobbies and interests, and they can manifest in distinct styles of dress, language (including argot or specialised language), music preferences, and social practices. While subcultures maintain their own unique characteristics, they are still part of and interact with the broader society, sometimes influencing it and sometimes being influenced by it. The study of subcultures helps sociologists understand the diversity within societies and the ways in which different groups navigate and express their identities within a larger cultural context.