With reference to Bourdieus theory of distinction and other relevant Essay - 2

With reference to Bourdieus theory of distinction and other relevant theorists on social class, give a detailed example of how a specific habitus shapes consumer behaviour - Essay Example In general, however, the individual consumer’s choice is constrained by their society through indirect and direct influences. One of the most salient influences of consumer behaviour regarding what they eat is social class. Bourdieu (2011: p32) takes particular interest in how food and culinary preferences factor into social distinction, which he refers to as the individual’s attempt to act in a specific way in order for members of their own class to accept them, as well as how social class tailors consumptive habits consciously to be different from other classes. Therefore, taste is not only affected by demand and supply, natural inclinations or mere preferences, or even considerations of functionality or economics, but results from an interplay of multiple, complex factors. Habitus, in the sociological context, is defined as the distinctive lifestyle of a people, which is demonstrated by adherence to routine daily life activities that define their affiliation in the social class order. Particularly, habitus pertains to natural behaviours instead of mere affectations, although Lantos (2015: p48) argues that behaviours should be influenced for a period of time prior to them becoming natural. Habitus is the natural way of doing or acting, to which the individual is predisposed to make specific choices and from which they could deviate in specific situations. Rather being a matter of compulsion or deliberation, the habitus involves choosing to do what, under normal conditions, seems reasonable and obvious. Social class, as well as associations with others in closed groups, is one of the fundamental factors involved in developing habitus. Therefore, although a common labour worker could develop tastes for caviar and Cristal, he is not likely to encounter th em during interactions within their specific social class and circles due to the fact that they are not available for this income level. Referencing Weber and Marx, Kopetz et al.