#1315 Bourdieu's Theory

In the framework of Bourdieu's theory, human society operates through a complex system of classifications, where social groups are defined not only by their material resources but also by their cultural capital—forms of knowledge, taste, and practice that are valued by dominant social structures. These patterns of thought shape how individuals view themselves and others, perpetuating a hierarchy of power and [1] . The dominant classes, in particular, maintain their status by controlling these classifications, defining what is considered "legitimate" or"refined" knowledge, and thus marginalising other ways of thinking and being. Bourdieu's concept of"habitus" describes how these patterns of thought become internalized in individuals, guiding their actions and perceptions in ways that reinforce the existing social [2] . At the same time, the process of classification is not fixed but subject to contestation. Over time, the dominance of elite groups can be challenged, leading to shifts in the status of certain forms of knowledge or cultural practices. In this sense, Bourdieu suggests that the social structure is not merely a reflection of economic power, but also a reflection of the intellectual and cultural systems that [3] it. The task, therefore, is to recognize how these classifications function to legitimize power and to question the hierarchical systems that serve to [4] the status of those on the margins.