Remote Control and Influence: Technocultural Capital as a Species of Cultural Capital

Abstract

Adapting Bourdieu's theory of capitals, the concept of technocultural capital is introduced to study interactions with, and relationships to, technology. The concept is employed in the study of mass media use and consumption in the context of the family. Pronounced gender and generational differences in the levels of technocultural capital were identified. An understanding of these differences and how they emerge is crucial, as technocultural capital is a valuable and powerful concept for understanding interactions, not only within the family setting, but also in other contexts such as education and work, where it can impact on educational and career choices and social mobility.

Keywords

Technocultural capital Pierre Bourdieu mass media technology family gender

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