Bourdieu's Distinction

Bourdieu's *Distinction* explores how people's social class influences their tastes, preferences, and behaviors. He argues that individuals develop cultural tastes—such as preferred music, art, or leisure activities—that reflect and reinforce their social position. These preferences act as markers of social distinction, helping people recognize and differentiate themselves from others. For example, what one class considers refined or fashionable may differ from another. Bourdieu shows that these habits and preferences are shaped by social backgrounds and serve to maintain social hierarchies, making culture a tool for establishing and conveying social identity and status.