Sociolotical Analysis of Fashion Essay example - 1263 Words

According to many such as Reed-Danahay, Pierre Bourdieu, a French sociologist of the 20th century is recognized as being among the most instrumental sociologists of our epoch. According to Bourdieu, one’s existence is not merely to exist but in reality is to find existence within a social context in order to find recognition. According to Bourdieu, individuals strengthen and reproduce their social status within a specific class through the use of cultural and social capital. Social capital is defined as one’s association with important connections or involvement within society whereas cultural capital is outlined as an individual’s level of knowledge, experiences and education. He argues that social capital and cultural capital is equally†¦show more content†¦Cultural capital which is used as ones knowledge about fashion, how well one knows the latest trends and history of fashion is essential to be considered as a key person within the field of fashion. Outsiders and insiders are also distinguished through behavior, their gestures and postures which are able to separate them from the outsiders. The arrangement and setting of the seats at the fashion show itself shows the positions of class within the field. The way members are seated at fashion shows show their significance of the social level within the system, thus representing the representatives within the field in the front rows. It has also been noted by Joanne Entwistle and Agnes Rocamora that in the fashion field the knowledge concerning art is more important than that of commerce. â€Å"Khan argues that catwalk shows’ only purpose is for them ‘to be noticed’ by the media and the public more generally, they are also for its participants to be noticed by other participants itself.† (Khan , 2000, pp. 114-127) Through this, Bourdieu’s concepts have been analyzed within the field of fashion which demonstrates that being recognized is vital for reproducing relationships and social status within the field of fashion through symbolic forms of capital instead of economic capital only. Part 2 In the documentary on haute couture there are two forms of capital other than economical capital which is required for elite women to be a member of