Culture of distinction or culture of openness? Using a social space approach to analyze the social structuring of lifestyles

In order to assess the extent to which contemporary cultural lifestyles reflect a culture of distinction or a culture of openness, this study maps the structure of cultural lifestyles in Flanders, Belgium. Information on a broad range of cultural behaviors (participation) and dispositions (what is important in cultural activities) from 2849 respondents is analyzed and linked to a set of indicators of social position. By means of Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), three structuring dimensions are found. The first is an engagement–disengagement axis—distinguishing an active and open-minded lifestyle versus a more passive, homebound way of living. The second dimension contrasts a preference for contemplation and legitimate arts with a preference for adventure and action. The third axis adds an opposition between a pronounced openness to new things and a more neutral stance. Cultural and economic capital are primarily associated with axis one, age with axis two. The third dimension is linked to different specific combinations of social categories, demonstrating that respondents have distinct ways of showing the underlying trait of openness depending on their position in the social space—omnivorousness is only one of its expressions linked to younger people with much cultural capital.

► Explores the social structuring of cultural practices and dispositions via MCA. ► First 2 dimensions: engagement versus disengagement and contemplation versus action. ► Those 2 dimensions confirm results of Bennett et al. (2009). ► Third dimension adds openness: eagerness to discover new things in various domains. ► Omnivorousness but one way of openness for young people with much cultural capital.