Thus, for an adequate interpretation of the differences found between the classes or within the same class as regards their relation to the various legitimate arts, painting, music, theatre, literature etc., one would have to analyse fully the social uses, legitimate or illegitimate, to which each of the arts, genres, works or institutions considered lends itself. For example, nothing more clearly affirms one's 'class', nothing more infallibly classifies, than tastes in music. Pierre Bourdieu
About This Quote

The author's use of this quote is quite interesting. On the one hand, he indirectly indicates that there are classes among the people with no regard to their status in society. On the other hand, he also suggests that there are certain legal uses of art that are acceptable and others that are not. For instance, music is seen as something that everyone enjoys regardless of class.

Literature on the other hand is seen as something that only the upper classes can afford to read or enjoy. The author then proposes that there are certain genres of art which fall into both categories depending on the "social uses" to which they lend themselves, or more specifically, their social value. For instance, if music were simply considered a form of entertainment, then there would be no reason for it to be considered unhealthy or even illicit if it was played by a band who was considered working class as opposed to a prestigious symphony orchestra.

In this way, culture itself can be used as a tool for class identification and understanding.

Source: Distinction: A Social Critique Of The Judgement Of Taste

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More Quotes By Pierre Bourdieu
  1. I would simply ask why so many critics, so many writers, so many philosophers take such satisfaction in professing that the experience of a work of art is ineffable, that it escapes by definition all rational understanding; why are they so eager to concede without...
  2. Music is the 'pure' art par excellence. It says nothing and has nothing to say. Never really having an expressive function, it is opposed to drama, which even in its most refined forms still bears a social message and can only be 'put over' on...
  3. Thus, for an adequate interpretation of the differences found between the classes or within the same class as regards their relation to the various legitimate arts, painting, music, theatre, literature etc., one would have to analyse fully the social uses, legitimate or illegitimate, to which...
  4. The mind is a metaphor of the world of objects.
  5. Male domination is so rooted in our collective unconscious that we no longer even see it.
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