Cultural Capital

Definition of Cultural Capital

The Canada social science dictionary [1] provides the following meaning of Cultural Capital: As used by P. Bourdieu, in the sociological analysis of education, this term refers to the way that the schools reflect standards of cultural expression and definitions of valued abilities that are characteristic of the socially and economically dominant class in society. Students who bring this cultural capital (a form of human capital) to the school are apt to be most successful in meeting criteria set by the schools and the result is that the school system supports and justifies the privileges of children of the wealthy and powerful. The school can also be seen as bestowing cultural capital on students, improving the equality of opportunity for those groups not already in possession of this capital essential for maintaining an open class society.

Cultural Capital: Resources

Notes and References

• Drislane, R., & Parkinson, G. (2016). (Concept of) Cultural Capital. Online dictionary of the social sciences. Open University of Canada