Sociology: Education: Cultural Capital (class)

Explain Bourdieu’s 3 types of capital

• Economic capital (wealth)

• Educational capital (qualifications)

• Cultural capital

Define cultural capital

The knowledge, attitudes, understanding, language and abilities of the middle class that offer social advantages

How can the 3 kinds of capital be converted into one another?

By having the economic capital to go to theatres or receive tutoring pupils may gain educational capital (qualifications) for example.

Outline Leech and Campos’ (2003) study

Middle class parents can afford homes in good catchment areas, leading to better schooling for their children. Known as ‘selection by mortgage’

Outline Sullivan’s (2001) study

Surveyed 465 pupils in 4 schools to test cultural awareness. Those who watched documentaries, etc, had greater vocabularies then did better as a rule and had greater cultural capital. These were often children of graduates. Also more likely to be middle class. Found ambition and resources explained divide.