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Cultures of resistance are forms of alternative or oppositional strategies, direct actions, norms, values, attitudes, behaviors, and agendas that are developed and employed by groups who seek change through noninstitutionalized means. Often, these are groups who feel marginalized from the mainstream and excluded from decision making in major institutions of society. Within political, educational, economic, family, religious, and other institutions, marginalized groups exhibit cultures (as reflected in language, dress, music, hairstyles, and so on) that stand in opposition to the culture of majority groups. Cultures of resistance are inherently political, based upon self-defined standpoint experiences, inextricably embedded in race, gender, and class relations, and serve as sites for struggle. Historically, African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and other racial and ethnic minority groups have engaged in direct action to protest discrimination, prejudice, and alienation. Individuals engaging in sit-ins, boycotts, and marches are expressing a culture of resistance.

Oppositional culture refers to a system of beliefs and practices that challenge the dominant way of life. Also referred to as “cultures of resistance,” these systems counter hegemonic and dominating ways of life experienced by subjugated groups. They often include aspects of a traditional culture that have been devalued or partially destroyed. Thus, they serve to enhance the survival of social groupings under the conditions of colonialism, enslavement, and other forms of racial or ethnic oppression.