Abstract
Previous studies by Bourdieu and others have shown a tendency for cultural tastes to serve as status markers that distinguish members of social classes differing in economic capital (money, income, wealth) and cultural capital (family background, education, training). However, questions remain concerning the extent to which such findings—especially those obtained over 20 years ago in France—can be meaningfully generalized to the contemporary United States. The present study explores this issue using a large-scale database that covers a broad range of cultural activities pursued by a comprehensive sample of American geodemographic clusters. The results support the Bourdieusian view by showing clear contrasts in differential cultural preferences among groups varying in income, education, and various demographic characteristics.
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