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Bourdieu's Theory of Capital

Bourdieu's Theory of Capital suggests that success and social mobility are influenced by different types of not just economic resources, but also social and cultural assets. Economic capital is money and property; cultural capital includes education, skills, and cultural knowledge; and social capital involves networks and relationships. These forms of capital help individuals gain advantages in society—like better jobs or social status—by shaping perceptions, opportunities, and interactions. Bourdieu emphasizes that these capitals are interconnected and can be accumulated or lost, influencing a person’s position within social hierarchies over time.