Intensification of subcultures takes place when they come in touch with the mainstream population and this can lead to aversion and conflict. This could be exemplified by the tension between hippies, gays and social conservatives.

It could be said that the subcultural theory is a synthesis of the ecological and compositional theories. Like the latter it argues that urbanism does not produce mental collapse, anomie or interpersonal estrangement. On the contrary, urbanites are integrated into viable social worlds. However, like the Chicago school they argue that urbanism does have effect on social groups and individuals.