Capital is acquired through individuals making a private and conscious effort to use their energy towards living. Rules and regulations in the social world are embedded with a capitalistic framework. In relation to Marx, capitalism developed a class system, a crucial element found within the society. This system developed class struggles inside and outside the existing classes. One’s economic wellbeing regulates a person and their families’ class standing in society. Having a means for maintaining or gaining capital is crucial for the security of one’s position. Capital is materialized and is used as a mechanism to gain profit. Bourdieu characterizes this form of embodiment as not solely existing through the economic system, but also socially and culturally. A person or groups of people are able to receive benefits based on social and traditional standing. Cultural capital is something that is actively invested in or by a person. Specifically, cultural capital is objectified through goods such as paintings, books, musical instruments, etc. which is emphasized through socialization. Social capital is a form of a durable network amongst individuals and organizations. Cultural and social capital gives rise to a lifestyle of profitable gain for certain individuals.
“It’s not what you know but who you know!” Being a part of a social group gives you access to a wide array of people possessing a range of skills and qualifications. Most importantly these people know people; this is where your network begins. Regardless of what class, race, or sex you are, being a part of this social group gives you “status”. Examples of these types of groups are Jack and Jill of America, Girl Scouts of America, being a member of a sorority, working for a billion dollar company, etc. Yes, I agree, having membership or merely knowing someone with a membership gives you access to potential resources. Having access or gaining perks can either start from your family or a close friend/associate. Having these connections opens doors for you that you never would have remotely thought to have access to. The more people you know and are in contact with the wider your network and list of resources can stretch. As a benefit you gain potential employment opportunities, access to exclusive locations, etc.
Just as being an employee at a well-known company can be beneficial, being a part of a certain family is also. Families cultivate embodied cultural capital. Families carry traditions and instill in their children certain skills and expertise. A particular disposition is instilled in children, influencing the activities they participate in and the places they go; developing one’s habitus. Some families have a tradition of attending certain universities, gaining a sense of elitism. Often times members of the family join sororities or fraternities while in college. As a result their children inherently know what school they will attend and what social groups they will join. Being a member of a sorority gives you social and cultural capital. Cultural capital allows a person to move up” in society, not based on economics but social properties they possess. As a member of a sorority I feel a sense of having gained social mobility while within college and certain social settings. While maintaining a certain disposition, certain attire is worn, mannerisms acted upon, etc. I feel that this is further exemplified when members wear line jackets, wear the organizations colors, the organizations emblems/shields, calls, and hand gestures. These things distinguish them from others who are non-members. In conjunction with these properties, they gain social capital by having potential resources based on their membership in the sorority or fraternity. Overall everyone possesses some type of desire to have a sense of power. One’s social life places an emphasis on how social relations further supports or denies the notion of power. Capital is one way which is used to appropriate this continuous power struggle within the society.
“It’s not what you know but who you know!” Being a part of a social group gives you access to a wide array of people possessing a range of skills and qualifications. Most importantly these people know people; this is where your network begins. Regardless of what class, race, or sex you are, being a part of this social group gives you “status”. Examples of these types of groups are Jack and Jill of America, Girl Scouts of America, being a member of a sorority, working for a billion dollar company, etc. Yes, I agree, having membership or merely knowing someone with a membership gives you access to potential resources. Having access or gaining perks can either start from your family or a close friend/associate. Having these connections opens doors for you that you never would have remotely thought to have access to. The more people you know and are in contact with the wider your network and list of resources can stretch. As a benefit you gain potential employment opportunities, access to exclusive locations, etc.
Just as being an employee at a well-known company can be beneficial, being a part of a certain family is also. Families cultivate embodied cultural capital. Families carry traditions and instill in their children certain skills and expertise. A particular disposition is instilled in children, influencing the activities they participate in and the places they go; developing one’s habitus. Some families have a tradition of attending certain universities, gaining a sense of elitism. Often times members of the family join sororities or fraternities while in college. As a result their children inherently know what school they will attend and what social groups they will join. Being a member of a sorority gives you social and cultural capital. Cultural capital allows a person to move up” in society, not based on economics but social properties they possess. As a member of a sorority I feel a sense of having gained social mobility while within college and certain social settings. While maintaining a certain disposition, certain attire is worn, mannerisms acted upon, etc. I feel that this is further exemplified when members wear line jackets, wear the organizations colors, the organizations emblems/shields, calls, and hand gestures. These things distinguish them from others who are non-members. In conjunction with these properties, they gain social capital by having potential resources based on their membership in the sorority or fraternity. Overall everyone possesses some type of desire to have a sense of power. One’s social life places an emphasis on how social relations further supports or denies the notion of power. Capital is one way which is used to appropriate this continuous power struggle within the society.