Cultural Capital for Social Transformation? A Call for an Alternative Conceptualization of Cultural Capital

• In Event: Cultivating Equitable Education Through Challenging the Status Quo of Curriculum

Abstract

Cultural reproduction theory has been applied to various educational contexts around the world, explaining why children from advantageous backgrounds are likely to succeed in schools. However, by sticking to the dominant theoretical perspective, the existing literature was neglectful of reexamining the concept of cultural capital in light of empowerment. Therefore, this paper attempts to conceptualize the possibilities where cultural capital could lead to social transformation and thus contribute to more equitable societies. For this purpose, it explores the possible role of cultural capital for social transformation. Here, the agency of teachers and students is suggested as a way of using cultural capital in transformative ways. Besides, it proposes an alternative conceptualization of cultural capital under the influence of postmodernism.

Author

• Eunjin Jeong, Yonsei University