Question

Differentiate between embodied, objectified, and institutionalized cultural capital.

Answer 1

Culture exixts in an embodied state, implying that wisdom gained by people over time, through socialization and education, remains within them. The further they acquire such types of embodied cultural capital, such as experience of classical music or hip-hop, the more they are prepared to seek it out. As for norms , practices, and skills such as table manners, language, and gendered behavior, people also behave and exhibit embodied cultural capital as they travel around the world and communicate with others.

Cultural capital also exists in an objectified state.. This relates to the material artifacts belonging to individuals that can contribute to their educational activities (books and computers), jobs (tools and equipment), clothing and accessories, household goods in their homes (furnishings, appliances, decorative items) and even food they buy and prepare. Such objective sources of cultural capital tend to reflect one's own economic class.

Cultural capital, finally, exists in an institutionalized state. This refers to the manner in which cultural capital is assessed, accredited and rated. Academic credentials and degrees are prime examples of this, such as work titles, political positions and social roles such as husband , wife, mother and daughter.

With economic capital, a individual may purchase access to prestigious educational institutions, which then reward one with valuable social capital. In addition, both social and cultural capital gained at an elite boarding school or college can be exchanged for economic capital through social networks, expertise, beliefs and attitudes that lead to high-paying jobs. Everybody has cultural capital and uses it on a regular basis to manage society. All types are true, but the hard truth is that they are not equally accepted by the institutions of society. This results in real economic and political implications that deepen the social divide.