Final answer:
A cultural group within a larger culture, often having differing beliefs or interests, is known as a subculture. Subcultures share a specific identity within a smaller group while still being part of the larger society. Countercultures, by contrast, actively reject mainstream values and develop their own cultural rules.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cultural group within a larger culture, often having beliefs or interests at variance with those of the larger culture, is known as a subculture. These subcultures are part of the larger society but also share a specific identity within a smaller group. They can be based on a variety of factors including ethnicity, race, hobbies, or interests. Examples of subcultures in the United States include ethnic and racial groups that maintain the language, food, and customs of their heritage, and interest-based groups like biker culture or the body modification community. While they have their own unique traits and preferences, members of a subculture still identify with and participate in the broader culture.
Distinguishing from subcultures are countercultures, which actively reject and oppose the mainstream values of the larger society. These groups may create their own rules and norms, sometimes even forming separate communities.