Week3: Distinction: A Social Critique of the Judgement of Taste—JIA YUAN

1)Summary

Recently, I started reading Distinction: A Social Critique of the Judgement of Taste by Pierre Bourdieu. This book challenges our understanding of "personal taste," arguing that what we consider to be aesthetic preferences are not entirely individual choices but are deeply influenced by social class, cultural capital, and social environment.

Bourdieu suggests that different social groups have distinct preferences in areas such as art, music, food, and fashion. These preferences are not random but are closely tied to social status. For example, the elite tend to favor "high culture" (such as classical music and modern art), while the working class often leans toward "popular culture" (such as pop music and television dramas). According to Bourdieu, taste is not just a matter of personal enjoyment—it serves as a tool for social distinction, helping people define their identities and differentiate themselves from others.

2) Interesting Points

One of the most striking concepts in the book is "cultural capital." Cultural capital includes not only education, knowledge, and artistic appreciation but also manners, hobbies, and even dining etiquette. In other words, our "taste" is largely shaped by society rather than being purely personal.

For example, one person might prefer visiting specialty cafés to enjoy hand-brewed coffee, while another might regularly buy instant coffee from a convenience store. On the surface, this seems like a simple personal choice, but in reality, it is influenced by factors such as economic background, education level, and upbringing. This made me question: are many of our aesthetic judgments truly based on personal preference?

Another fascinating idea is that taste is not just about self-expression; it also functions as symbolic capital. Some people may deliberately cultivate an "elite" aesthetic to showcase their social status, while others might consciously reject mainstream tastes to establish an alternative cultural identity.

3) Future Goals

This book has encouraged me to rethink my daily choices. In the future, I want to observe more closely how people from different cultural and social backgrounds develop their tastes and explore how these preferences shape social relationships, career opportunities, and even media consumption.

Additionally, I’m interested in studying the role of social media in shaping "taste." In today's digital era, are our aesthetic preferences still primarily influenced by traditional class structures, or have we entered a new phase of cultural capital competition? For example, how does influencer culture impact consumer choices? How do fashion brands use marketing to construct taste? These are some of the questions I hope to explore further.

4) Discussion

Have you ever thought about how your own "taste" was formed? Do you believe your preferences are purely personal, or do you think they are shaped by your social environment?