From: BoPaulle-AT-aol.com
Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 17:34:08 EST
Subject: Re: symbolic captal vs. cultural capital


In a message dated 11/24/98 2:39:28 PM Eastern Standard Time, Chetro-AT-aol.com
writes:

<< bourdieu-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu >>

I agree with the others in their responses.  I do think however that cultural
capital deserves a bit more explanation.  It is indeed rooted in academic
training and family-environment socialization, but it is more than that.  It
is the ability to speak the legitimized language, it is that which often gives
its holders confidence in addition to really valuable skills.  It is that
which, aside from money and social conections, which gives social mobility.
We must understand Bourdieu's concepts in terms of his being obesessed (at
least someone is) with inequality (mostly class based) and the convenient myth
of meritocracy which is internalized by both oppressor and oppressed.  And in
general, of course, cultural capital, like taste in Distinction, is developed
"an arms distance from necessity."  That is to say the forms of capital are
transferable.
	Symbolic capital ties in, again, with economic capital in a similar way
("homology").  In general, it is those with the $ who have the power to
validate, to bestow meaning, symbolic power.  there is clearly mucn more to be
said once this can of worms has beenopened. 

best wishes to all from NYC!

b. paulle
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