Social Differentiation and Lifestyles

The two involved research teams will develop a (geometric) model of the space of lifestyles based on data collected in each respective geographic zone (Norway and France), using a coordinated and methodologically rigourous approach founded on Geometric Da ta Analysis methods (MCA, especially). This model will allow us to assess the relevance of the representation of social space developed in Distinction (Bourdieu 1979/84). In the analysis we will discuss recent evolutions of research on cultural practices, consumption and lifestyles on the basis of this empirical test. Particularly we will discuss the "omnivorousness-thesis", the "capital composition principle" in the definition of individual resources and the dynamics of lifestyles.