What does Bourdieu mean by cultural capital?

Cultural capital, a concept developed by French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, refers to the non-financial social assets that individuals acquire through cultural experiences, education, and upbringing. It encompasses knowledge, skills, education, tastes, and cultural awareness that contribute to one's social mobility and status.

Bourdieu identified three forms of cultural capital: embodied, objectified, and institutionalized. Embodied cultural capital refers to the internalized cultural knowledge, skills, and habits acquired through socialization. Objectified cultural capital involves tangible cultural goods such as books, artwork, or instruments that symbolize cultural knowledge. Institutionalized cultural capital pertains to formal qualifications, degrees, and certifications recognized by educational institutions and society.

Cultural capital plays a pivotal role in social stratification, influencing an individual's access to opportunities and success in various social fields. Those with higher cultural capital are often better positioned in educational and professional spheres, contributing to the reproduction of social inequalities. Bourdieu's concept of cultural capital emphasizes the role of culture in shaping social structures and reinforces the idea that cultural resources can be a form of power and privilege.