There are two "definitions" of culture which are worthwhile to juxtapose:
1) the cultivating or development (of the mind, faculties, manners), improvement or refinement by education and training; the condition of being trained or refined; the intellectual side of civilization; the prosecution or special attention or study of any subject or pursuit. (Oxford English Dictionary)
Using the first definition, one can look at different social phenomena in qualitative terms, and ask whether or not that phenomena can "count" as culture. "Culture" in this sense is a term used to describe sophisticated ways of living (well groomed, well mannered, appreciated thee "finer things of life").
2) "a particular way of life which expresses certain meanings and values not only in art and learning, but also in institutions and ordinary behaviour. The analysis of culture, from such a definition, is the clarification of the meanings and values implicit and explicit in a particular way of life, a particular culture . . ." (Hebdige 6).
In this class, we are using this second definition. That is to say, we are recognizing culture as VARIOUS ways of living among VARIOUS social groups. Effectively, then, there is a youth culture, a culture of the rich, a culture of the poor, a culture of living in Portland, etc. "Culture," in this sense, refers to a fluid social phenomenon wherein "social and cultural developments as a whole can be better understood" (Hebdige 7).
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Pete Rock's novel "The Bewildered" might be a worthwhile read for you and your class. Pete's a prof. at Reed by way of Utah, and his muse of late seems to be Portland and its young people and their culture, especially your second definition of the term. Pete would probably come by the school, too.
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