In sociology, the term “capital” refers to the accumulated status and resources that individuals or groups possess, contributing to their social mobility and power in society. Capital can take various forms, including economic, social, and cultural capital, among others.
Key Facts
- Definition: In sociology, capital refers to the accumulated status and resources that individuals or groups possess, which can contribute to their social mobility and power in society.
- Cultural Capital: One prominent form of capital in sociology is cultural capital. It comprises the social assets, such as education, intellect, style of speech, style of dress, and social connections, that promote social mobility within a stratified society.
- Types of Cultural Capital: Cultural capital can be categorized into three types:
a. Embodied Capital: This includes the knowledge and skills that individuals acquire through socialization and cultural influences, such as language mastery and communication abilities.
b. Objectified Capital: Objectified cultural capital refers to the possession of valuable objects or assets, such as artworks or scientific instruments, which symbolically convey cultural capital.
c. Institutionalized Capital: Institutionalized cultural capital refers to the formal recognition of an individual’s cultural capital by institutions, typically through academic credentials or professional qualifications.
Cultural Capital
Cultural capital is a significant form of capital in sociology, encompassing the social assets that promote social mobility within a stratified society. It includes education, intellect, style of speech, style of dress, and social connections. Cultural capital is acquired through socialization and cultural influences and can be categorized into three types:
Embodied Capital
Embodied cultural capital comprises the knowledge and skills individuals acquire through socialization and cultural influences. It includes language mastery, communication abilities, and the habitus, which refers to the dispositions and tendencies inculcated by family and social interactions.
Objectified Capital
Objectified cultural capital refers to the possession of valuable objects or assets that symbolically convey cultural capital. Examples include artworks, scientific instruments, and other cultural artifacts that demonstrate the individual’s cultural knowledge and appreciation.
Institutionalized Capital
Institutionalized cultural capital refers to the formal recognition of an individual’s cultural capital by institutions. It is typically expressed through academic credentials, professional qualifications, or other forms of institutional endorsement that certify the individual’s cultural competence and expertise.
Citations
- Bell, Kenton, ed. 2017. “capital.” In Open Education Sociology Dictionary. Retrieved February 16, 2024 (https://sociologydictionary.org/capital/).
- Bourdieu, P. (1985). The Forms of Capital. In J. G. Richardson (ed). Handbook for Theory and Research for the Sociology of Education. (pp. 241–58). London: Sage.
- Drew, C. (September 9, 2023). 13 Types of Capital in Sociology (Listed). Helpful Professor. https://helpfulprofessor.com/types-of-capital-in-sociology/
FAQs
What is capital in sociology?
Capital in sociology refers to the accumulated status and resources that individuals or groups possess, contributing to their social mobility and power in society.
What are the different types of capital in sociology?
There are various forms of capital in sociology, including economic, social, and cultural capital, among others. Cultural capital is a particularly significant form that encompasses education, intellect, style of speech, style of dress, and social connections.
What is cultural capital?
Cultural capital refers to the social assets that promote social mobility within a stratified society. It includes education, intellect, style of speech, style of dress, and social connections.
What are the three types of cultural capital?
Cultural capital can be categorized into three types:
a. Embodied capital: Knowledge and skills acquired through socialization and cultural influences, such as language mastery and communication abilities.
b. Objectified capital: Possession of valuable objects or assets that symbolically convey cultural capital, such as artworks or scientific instruments.
c. Institutionalized capital: Formal recognition of an individual’s cultural capital by institutions, typically through academic credentials or professional qualifications.
How does cultural capital contribute to social mobility?
Cultural capital can contribute to social mobility by providing individuals with the knowledge, skills, and social connections necessary to succeed in education, employment, and other social institutions.
What is the relationship between capital and social inequality?
Capital, including cultural capital, can contribute to social inequality by creating and reinforcing social hierarchies. Individuals and groups with greater access to capital tend to have higher social status, power, and opportunities, while those with less capital may face barriers to social mobility.
How can cultural capital be acquired?
Cultural capital is acquired through socialization and cultural influences, including family, education, peer groups, and the media. Individuals from different social backgrounds and experiences may have varying levels of cultural capital, which can impact their life chances and opportunities.
What are the criticisms of the concept of cultural capital?
Some critics argue that the concept of cultural capital is too narrow and does not fully capture the complexities of social inequality. They suggest that other forms of capital, such as social and economic capital, also play significant roles in shaping social mobility and life outcomes.