The Distinction: A Social Critique of the Judgement of Taste

“The Distinction” by Pierre Bourdieu explores how people’s tastes and preferences are shaped by their social background and class, rather than just individual choices. Bourdieu argues that what we consider “good taste” is influenced by our social environment, often serving to reinforce social inequalities. For example, certain types of art, music, or food are valued differently depending on one’s social status. This work shows that taste is not purely aesthetic but also a way society maintains distinctions and hierarchies, reflecting deeper social divisions rather than innate or universal standards of beauty or quality.