What does cultural capital refer to?

Cultural capital refers specifically to the intangible assets that influence an individual's social mobility and social status. This concept, developed by sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, encompasses the knowledge, skills, education, and cultural awareness individuals possess, which give them an advantage in navigating social systems and institutions.

The idea is that individuals who possess higher cultural capital are better able to access social networks, interpret cultural norms, and succeed in various social environments. This often results in inequalities since not everyone has the same access to these cultural resources, affecting their opportunities and experiences within society.

In contrast, the other options do not capture the nuanced meaning of cultural capital. The total wealth of a society and the distribution of economic resources pertain more to economic capital, while the formal education level of individuals is a component of cultural capital but does not encompass the broader context of cultural assets and their implications on social interactions and hierarchies. Thus, the focus on the unequal distribution of cultural resources affecting social navigation highlights the systemic nature of social stratification linked to cultural capital.