cultural elitism

Cultural elitism is the idea that certain cultural experiences, tastes, or knowledge—such as art, music, or literature—are superior and reserved for a select, often educated or privileged, group. It can lead to the belief that these cultural forms are more authentic or valuable than popular or everyday culture. This mindset can create barriers, making others feel excluded or undervalued based on their cultural preferences or backgrounds. Essentially, cultural elitism promotes a hierarchy of culture, often aligning with social class or education levels, and can influence how society defines “high” versus “low” culture.