Entwistle And Bourdieu's Theory Of Social Theories

1094 Words3 Pages

The concept of fields is an important in Bourdieu’s theory. These ‘fields’ are referred to as the various social and institutional platforms which people use to express their positions and compete for the distribution of the different forms of capital. Each field has its own set of positions and practices, as well as its struggles for position as people mobilize their capital to stake claims within a particular social domain. Entwistle and Rocamora view the field of fashion as a platform for designer labels to be show case their designs in order to gain popularity. According to Bourdieu (1984) habitus refers to the deeply embedded, pre-reflexive capacities and competencies that are practical and embodied. It also refers to the physical embodiment of cultural capital, to the deeply ingrained habits, skills, and dispositions that we possess due to our life experiences. According to Entwistle and Rocamora (2006) to perform effectively within a field one needs to accumulate the appropriate the correct capital and master the field’s habitus. The manner in which models, journalists and A-lists present themselves physically through attire and gestures forms part of their habitus. Their attire gives others an indication of their social status. According to Bourdieu (1996) capital refers to the knowledge, skills and connections exchanged within a field in order to establish one’s position. According to Entwistle and Rocamora (2006: 742) fashion capital is specific to the field of fashion. Fashion capital in this context therefore includes economic, cultural social and symbolic capital. Having the economic capital gives one the means of attaining a front row seat where your social status is recognized. Entwistle and Rocamora suggest that s... ... middle of paper ... ...viduals from buying expensive clothing just for the sake of the designer’s name as not many people would be wearing these clothes. According to Cline (2012: 75) it’s all about the detail of the garment as well as the construction. With exquisite hand-made garments, one could expect it to be over priced, however, not many will be in possession of the garment as only a few are made. This proves that clothing is still a mark of social distinction and has not lost its social meaning as people are willing to spend in order to reaffirm their social status. Bourdieu’s theory is useful for thinking about the fashion industry today as his concepts of field, habitus and the different forms of capital can be used to examine the fashion and fashion trends in contemporary society. His theory can be applied to social institutions as well as behavioural patterns of individuals

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