Dominant culture refers to the cultural values, beliefs, and practices that are prevalent in a society and that are often associated with mainstream or dominant groups. Dominant culture is often characterized by its dominance over other cultures and its ability to shape and influence societal norms and expectations.

Dominant culture is often shaped by the social, economic, and political power of dominant groups and can be enforced through institutions such as education, media, and government. Dominant culture can also serve to reinforce and perpetuate the privileges and advantages of dominant groups, while also marginalizing and oppressing other groups. It is important to recognize and challenge the ways in which dominant culture can perpetuate inequality and injustice.

In the U.S., dominant culture is often used to refer a culture that’s white, able-bodied, cis-male dominated, and heterosexual. It also tends to center those that are affluent, living in more suburban and urban communities, and have a close proximity to industries that are fetishized, like tech, startups and small businesses.