Consumption and Informational Capital in the logic of distinction among dominated groups

Abstract

The article contributes to the debate on the relevance of the concept “cultural capital” for the apprehension of the symbolic dimension in disputes established among social groups, around the legitimization of cultural goods and practices. Therefore, it also contributes for the understanding of the mechanisms by which symbolic hierarchies are maintained and domination reproduced. It analyzes the appropriation of references from the universe of brands by the participants of the Hype movement as a type of specific cultural capital, mobilized in the establishment of symbolic boundaries among non-dominant groups, what shows the expansion of consumer culture and informational capital as two aspects of contemporary culture that are extremely impacting in the distinction games.

Keywords:
Cultural capital; Distinction; Symbolic boundaries; Consumption; Informational capital