Is being in an anger management program an example of a subculture? Explain. Which theoretical perspective in sociology (functionalism, conflict...

Yes, in some ways, an anger management program constitutes a subculture. A subculture has different norms and values than the culture as a whole, and our culture can seem to celebrate anger and reward acting out in anger. Anger management programs advise people to deal with anger not by acting out but by learning skills to recognize their anger and deal with it in constructive ways, such as communicating their needs effectively, not using verbal...

Yes, in some ways, an anger management program constitutes a subculture. A subculture has different norms and values than the culture as a whole, and our culture can seem to celebrate anger and reward acting out in anger. Anger management programs advise people to deal with anger not by acting out but by learning skills to recognize their anger and deal with it in constructive ways, such as communicating their needs effectively, not using verbal or physical violence, and engaging in problem solving. These norms and values—of using logic and communication skills to diffuse one's anger and express one's emotions more calmly and effectively—are not always part of the larger culture, so therefore an anger management program can be said to represent a subculture.

The theoretical perspective that might apply to an anger management course is functionalism, as this theory posits that each part of society contributes to the greater well-being of the society as a whole. If people express their anger effectively by using the communication and problem-solving skills they learn in an anger management course, they are contributing to the greater well-being of the society and the social consensus that holds together society.