Social Class: WTF? Introduction to Bourdieu and Marx on class

Summary

In this video, Tom discusses the concept of social class within contemporary capitalist societies. He explores the theories of Karl Marx, who emphasizes the economic division between the proletariat and bourgeoisie, and Pierre Bourdieu, who expands the concept with economic, social, and cultural capital. Tom explains how these theories highlight the power dynamics and inequalities present in society, underscoring the relevance of class in understanding social and cultural phenomena. The video offers an introductory look at these critical concepts, inviting viewers to delve deeper into the subject.

Takeaways

• 🎭 The video is part of a series called 'What the Theory?' that introduces critical concepts within the humanities.
• 📚 The focus of the video is on the concept of 'class', specifically within contemporary capitalist societies.
• 🕵️ Karl Marx's theory is introduced, emphasizing class as a defining tension in the capitalist system, with a historical struggle between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie.
• 🏭 The proletariat are the working class who earn a living through labor, while the bourgeoisie own the means of production and earn through profit, rent, and interest.
• 💰 Marx argues that the bourgeoisie's wealth grows through interest and inheritance, giving them a significant power advantage over the working class.
• 📉 During economic downturns, it's common for the lowest jobs to be cut first, highlighting the power dynamics between classes.
• 📚 Thomas Piketty's work is mentioned, providing insights into how wealth has accumulated in fewer hands over time.
• 🤔 Pierre Bourdieu's theory is presented as a more granular approach to class, considering economic, social, and cultural capital.
• 🤝 Social capital refers to the advantages gained through social and familial relationships.
• 🎨 Cultural capital involves the aesthetic tastes and preferences that guide individuals towards certain social positions and life paths.
• 🔄 Both Marx and Bourdieu agree that socio-cultural and economic capital influence each other, affecting an individual's or group's empowerment in society.
• 🌐 Despite arguments that class may be outdated, the video argues that class distinctions and financial inequality are growing globally, making class a critical concept in understanding contemporary society.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Tom's channel?

Tom's channel focuses on discussing theatre, being a PhD student, and the intersection of these two topics.

What series is Tom introducing in this video?

Tom is introducing the 'What the Theory?' series, which provides introductory videos on critical concepts within the humanities.

How does Tom define 'class' in the context of this video?

Tom defines 'class' as a way of breaking down society hierarchically to compare the power an individual or group has in comparison to others within the same society.

What does Tom suggest is the starting point for understanding class in contemporary society?

Tom suggests starting with Karl Marx's perspective on class, which sees it as the defining tension of the capitalist system.

According to Marx, what distinguishes the proletariat from the bourgeoisie?

Marx distinguishes the proletariat as the working class who earn a living by performing tasks for a wage, while the bourgeoisie own the means of production and earn money through profit, rent, and interest.

How does Tom describe the power dynamics between the bourgeoisie and the working class?

Tom describes the power dynamics as significantly skewed towards the bourgeoisie, who have more financial capital and thus more influence over political policies and parties.

What does Tom mention about the role of familial inheritance in class dynamics?

Tom mentions that familial inheritance is important as it allows the bourgeoisie to pass on wealth to the next generation, giving them a head start not available to those lower in the class system.

Which author does Tom reference for a detailed analysis of capital accumulation over time?

Tom references Thomas Piketty and his book 'Capital in the 21st Century' for an insightful analysis of how capital has accumulated into fewer hands over the past 200 years.

How does Pierre Bourdieu's theory of class differ from Marx's?

Bourdieu's theory of class includes three contributing factors: economic capital, social capital, and cultural capital, offering a more granular system of class analysis than Marx's binary system.

What does Bourdieu define as 'cultural capital'?

Bourdieu defines 'cultural capital' as the aesthetic tastes and preferences learned in society that subconsciously guide individuals towards a certain position in life and influence their social class.

How does Tom conclude the importance of class in contemporary society?

Tom concludes that despite arguments that class may be a thing of the past, it is actually central to contemporary society, with financial inequality growing and class distinctions becoming more pronounced.