The Concept of Cultural Capital in Sociology Explained
Cultural capital is a concept in sociology that is used to describe the knowledge, skills, and cultural assets that individuals possess, which gives them an advantage in society. It is a critical concept in understanding social inequality and how it is maintained through generations.
What Is Cultural Capital?
Cultural capital consists of non-economic resources such as education, knowledge, social skills, cultural values, tastes, and intangible assets such as language, accent, and mannerisms. These resources can result in social mobility and power, which can be passed down from one generation to another.
Cultural capital can be acquired through cultural practices such as reading, attending cultural events, visiting museums, traveling, socializing with diverse communities, and engaging in intellectual discussions. The acquisition of cultural capital is an ongoing process that requires effort, education, and exposure.
Types of Cultural Capital
There are three types of cultural capital recognized in sociology – embodied, institutionalized, and objectified cultural capital.
Embodied cultural capital is the knowledge, skills, and dispositions that are acquired through socialization and upbringing. For instance, upper-class families may expose their children to classical music, literature, and arts as part of their upbringing. This exposure gives the children an advantage in appreciating and participating in cultural practices, which allows them to access and navigate social networks.
Institutionalized cultural capital refers to qualifications and certifications that individuals acquire through formal education. For instance, obtaining a degree from a prestigious university is a form of institutionalized cultural capital. This type of cultural capital signals to the society that the individual is culturally sophisticated, educated, and skilled.
Objectified cultural capital refers to physical objects that are considered valuable, such as art, literature, or antique furniture. The possession of such objects reflects an individual’s tastes, knowledge, and cultural refinement.
The Role of Cultural Capital in Social Inequality
Cultural capital is a crucial factor in maintaining social inequality. Individuals from privileged backgrounds have access to cultural capital, which gives them an advantage in accessing powerful social networks, institutions, and opportunities. On the other hand, individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds have limited access to cultural capital, which limits their opportunities for social mobility and power.
Moreover, cultural capital is often used as a cultural barrier to exclude marginalized groups. For instance, an individual from a lower social class may feel uncomfortable or excluded in a social gathering that involves classical music or sophisticated discussions or attire.
Conclusion
Understanding the concept of cultural capital is crucial in understanding social inequality and how it is perpetuated through generations. While cultural capital is not necessarily a bad thing, it becomes problematic when it is used as a barrier to exclude marginalized groups from accessing social mobility and power. Therefore, we must strive to provide equal access to cultural practices and opportunities to break down the barriers of social inequality.
