Social class and Identity: LT5 Flashcards
Social class
Group of people who share a similar economic situation.
Who talks about Habitus?
Marxist: Bourdieu
Habitus
to the norms, values, attitudes, and behaviours of a particular social class
Marxist: Bourdieu
Each social class has its own cultural framework (Habitus) and people will act within this. Influencing knowledge, language, values.
What are the four main sources of capital according to Bourdieu?
. Economic capital: material goods
. Cultural capital: Knowledge & Understanding
. Social capital: Social connections
. Symbolic capital: Idea of status, reputation
However, Bourdieu
There is more fluidity than Bourdieu accounts for. E.g. difference between high cultural & low economic (teachers) and low cultural & high economic (Small business owners)
What theorist believe there is a declining importance of social class in developing identities?
Post-Modernists: people can now pick & Mix and change their identities based on lifestyle and consumer choices replacing social class.
Clarke and Saunders
Social class is less importance in forming identities due to social classes becoming more fragmented
Lash and Urry
Peoples cultural choices are becoming more individualistic and less influenced by class
What theorist believe there is a continuing importance of social class in developing identities?
Marxists: Capitalist society is class based with Bourgeoisie exploiting proletariat.
Class remains common social identity E.g. Brit social attitude survey 95% identify with class.
Functionalist: Social class system allows society to run smoothly.
Scott: Upper class identity & subculture
traditional upper class features include exclusive upbringing, close knit relations and private education creating a sense of superiority.
Middle class identity & subculture
Features include commitment to education and career success as well as having respect of high culture.
Attitudes include Deferred gratification and further time orientation.
Lawler: Middle class identity
middle class maintains its identity through a sense of superiority over working class.
Working class identity & subculture
Features include close knit communities and traditional gender roles. Furthermore, getting a job is more important than qualifications.
attitudes include Immediate gratification and present time orientation
New right, Murray: Underclass
Characterises the underclass as having high levels of lone parenthoods, drunkenness, crime and benefits
