Subpeople

Subpeople is a term that has emerged in discussions related to speculative fiction and certain philosophical thought experiments. It is not a recognized scientific or sociological term. The concept generally refers to hypothetical or fictional groups of beings that are distinct from humanity, often portrayed as existing in parallel, underground, or in alternate dimensions. These subpeople are typically characterized by unique biological traits, societal structures, or levels of development that differentiate them from standard human populations.

The term often appears in contexts where authors explore themes of hidden societies, evolutionary divergence, or non-human intelligence. For instance, a narrative might involve a hidden civilization of beings who have evolved separately from surface dwellers, or a group that possesses advanced psychic abilities. The motivations and interactions of these subpeople with the dominant human society are frequently central to the plot, exploring ideas of coexistence, conflict, or mutual ignorance.

In some theoretical discussions, "subpeople" might be used metaphorically to describe marginalized or overlooked groups within human society, though this usage is less common and can be considered problematic due to its potentially dehumanizing connotations. The primary and most consistent usage of the term remains within fictional narratives and speculative scenarios. It serves as a shorthand for creating distinct, non-human or sub-human entities that populate imaginative worlds.