The Interplay of Cultural Capital and Economic Inequality in Shaping Access to Urban Opportunities
Keywords:
cultural capital, economic inequality, urban sociology, social stratification, access to opportunity, urban planning, Pierre BourdieuAbstract
This paper investigates the dual influence of cultural capital and economic inequality on individuals’ access to opportunities within urban spaces, using a contextual framework rooted in the global socio-economic landscape. As cities increasingly become nodes of social mobility, cultural and financial resources determine who can leverage urban infrastructures such as education, employment, housing, and social networks. Drawing from Bourdieu's theories and contemporary urban sociology, we argue that cultural capital significantly mediates access to urban resources, often reinforcing existing economic divides. The analysis highlights structural imbalances and calls for more inclusive urban planning and educational reforms.
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