Final answer:
Until about 1960, U.S. subcultures were expected to conform to mainstream norms, but underneath this, a variety of subcultures thrived and began to challenge the conventional ways of life.
Step-by-step explanation:
Up until about 1960, subcultures in the United States were expected to conform to the dominant societal norms. This era was characterized by the contentment and conformity of the 1950s, with American society promoting conventional families, self-discipline, and material success, particularly in the burgeoning suburbs.
However, beneath this veneer of uniformity, diverse subcultures existed, ranging from ethnic and racial communities sharing their heritage, to groups like the beatniks who engaged in counter-cultural expressions. Over time, the suburban youth began exploring new forms of music, literature, and lifestyles - setting the stage for the counterculture movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s.