Fluidity Of Habitus Case Study

Empirical evidence for the fluidity of habitus can be provided by a PHD study of incarcerated youth in Denmark. This study highlighted how five boys fitted within the sphere of the secure unit using agencements to promote a hegemonic masculinity in the form of clothing, hair, language,posture, T-shirts with postcodes became symbolic markers such of the places and communities they belonged to. Comparing and contrasting how these boys made themselves up focuses strongly upon the similarities and differences between two boys Allan and Nick and the other three boys (A.B.C) . Boys A B and C are all immigrants and come from low income backgrounds , Allan is an immigrant like AB and C but differs in that he lives in relatively affluent area with two working parents . Nick is from a similar lower class background but he is white Danish. Though the research thought Allan may struggle to fit in owing to the class difference it was instead Nick that struggled, this was attributed to use of pseudo-gangster approximations that enabled Allan to fit in better than they did with Nick. This study demonstrated …show more content…
On a micro level these groups may succeed in demonstrating status through conspicuous consumption but on the macro it paradoxically further created isolation. Often crude approximations of wealth can be seen as vulgar and brands once respected become stigmatized such as Burberry, Rockports and Henleys once there is a link to lower class groups.(Hamilton, 2012. pg.84-85) These factors can harm social mobility these groups may not have the same job prospects because of their look and language (Cruddas, 2011). The media has become a governor of conduct victimising single mothers, ‘chavs’ ‘work shy benefit scroungers’ and other stereotyped groups that ‘live on benefits’ and manage to buy lavish