Sunday, 28 December 2025

Bourdieu argued that society is structured around a system of distinctions, which are not just about wealth, but also about the accumulation of cultural capital and social capital [1]. He suggested that people use their tastes, preferences, and lifestyles (in everything from art and food to clothing and leisure activities) to signify their social standing and distance themselves from lower classes. 

For Bourdieu, these distinctions serve to reproduce the existing social hierarchy, as dominant groups define what is considered "legitimate" culture, and those with the right kind of cultural knowledge are better equipped to succeed in the system [1]. 
In contemporary society, these divisions are often visible in areas such as:
  • Online social circles: The platforms people choose and the content they share often reflect and reinforce existing social and cultural groups.
  • Consumer choices: Preferences for certain brands, organic food, or high-tech gadgets can act as modern markers of status and lifestyle.
  • Educational disparities: Access to elite education remains a key way that cultural capital is transmitted across generations, perpetuating social stratification. 
Bourdieu would likely note that while the specific markers of status may evolve, the underlying mechanism of using cultural differences to create and maintain social divisions remains a fundamental aspect of human society [1]. 

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