Culture as Currency

As a society, we often talk about the importance of education, hard work, and networking when it comes to achieving success. However, another crucial factor is often overlooked — cultural capital. Cultural capital refers to the knowledge, skills, and cultural experiences that individuals possess and can use to their advantage in society.

In this article, I will explore the three types of cultural capital, their origins, and their impact on society today.

Definition of cultural capital

Cultural capital is a concept that was introduced by the French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu. In simple terms, cultural capital refers to the cultural knowledge and experiences that individuals possess, such as education, language skills, and familiarity with the arts. It is a type of non-financial capital that individuals can use to gain advantages in various aspects of their lives, such as education, employment, and social status.

The Origin of cultural capital — Pierre Bourdieu

Pierre Bourdieu was a French sociologist who developed the concept of cultural capital in the 1970s. Bourdieu believed that cultural capital played a crucial role in determining an individual’s social position and opportunities in life. He argued that cultural capital is a type of symbolic capital that can be used to gain advantages in society. Bourdieu’s work on cultural capital has had a significant impact on the field of sociology and has influenced many subsequent studies on social inequality.

The three types of cultural capital according to Bourdieu

According to Bourdieu, there are three types of cultural capital — embodied, objectified, and institutionalized. Embodied cultural capital refers to the cultural knowledge and experiences that are embodied in individuals, such as language skills, education, and manners. Objectified cultural capital refers to cultural objects that individuals possess, such as books, art, and musical instruments. Institutionalized cultural capital refers to the recognition and status that individuals receive for their cultural knowledge and experiences, such as degrees, awards, and honors.

Cultural Capital and social mobility

Cultural capital plays a crucial role in social mobility. Individuals who possess high levels of cultural capital are more likely to succeed in education, employment, and social status. This is because cultural capital provides individuals with the skills, knowledge, and experiences that are valued in society. For example, individuals who speak multiple languages, have a high level of education and possess cultural objects such as books and art are more likely to succeed in the global economy.

The Impact of cultural capital on Education, employment, and social status

Cultural capital significantly impacts various aspects of individuals’ lives, including education, employment, and social status. In education, individuals who possess high levels of cultural capital are more likely to succeed academically and go on to higher education. In employment, cultural capital can provide individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their careers. Regarding social status, individuals who possess high levels of cultural capital are more likely to occupy high-status positions in society.

Culture as currency in today’s society

In today’s society, culture has become a form of currency. The possession of cultural knowledge, experiences, and objects can provide individuals with advantages in various aspects of their lives. For example, individuals who possess knowledge of different cultures and languages are more likely to succeed in the global economy. Similarly, individuals who possess cultural objects such as art and books are viewed as more cultured and knowledgeable.

Examples of cultural capital in popular culture

Popular culture is full of examples of cultural capital. For example, individuals who possess knowledge of different types of music or films are viewed as more cultured, and individuals who possess knowledge of different cuisines or fashion styles are viewed as more worldly and sophisticated. In addition, the possession of cultural objects such as designer clothing, luxury cars, and expensive art is viewed as a symbol of wealth and status.

How to acquire cultural capital

Acquiring cultural capital is not an easy task. It requires individuals to invest time and effort into developing their knowledge, skills, and cultural experiences. Some ways to acquire cultural capital include:

Reading books and literature

Attending cultural events such as concerts, plays, and exhibitions

Learning about different cultures and languages

Traveling to different countries

Pursuing higher education

Participating in cultural activities such as music, dance, and theater

Final Thoughts

Cultural capital plays a crucial role in determining an individual’s social position and opportunities in life. It is a type of non-financial capital that individuals can use to gain advantages in various aspects of their lives, such as education, employment, and social status.

Understanding cultural capital is important because it can help individuals identify the skills, knowledge, and experiences they need to succeed in society. By investing in cultural capital, individuals can improve their social mobility and achieve success in their lives.

*This article is also published in the author`s medium.com account*