The following text is about sociology.
Pierre Bourdieu's concept of "cultural capital" explains how class advantages are transmitted beyond economic wealth. Cultural capital includes knowledge, tastes, and behaviors that signal social status: familiarity with classical music, comfort navigating elite institutions, and possession of valued credentials. Children from privileged backgrounds inherit this capital, which schools reward, perpetuating inequality even in meritocratic systems. The concept reveals how social reproduction operates through culture, not just money—explaining why wealth alone doesn't guarantee social mobility.
According to the text, how does cultural capital affect social mobility?
It ensures anyone with money achieves high status
It transmits class advantages through culture, helping explain persistent inequality
It applies only to formal education
It has no effect on educational outcomes
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. The text explains that privileged children "inherit" capital that "schools reward, perpetuating inequality," and transmission occurs "through culture, not just money."
- Evidence: Cultural inheritance; school reward; inequality perpetuation.
- Reasoning: Non-economic transmission maintains class structure.
- Conclusion: Cultural capital transmits advantage and limits mobility.
Choice A is incorrect because "wealth alone doesn't guarantee" mobility. Choice C is incorrect because tastes, behaviors, and navigation skills are also included. Choice D is incorrect because "schools reward" cultural capital.