The term ‘social capital’ was first coined by Pierre Bourdieu who used it to describe the networks of relationships among people in society, and how it allows society to function properly. Bourdieu’s thinking was concerned with the understanding of social hierarchy. He believed that economic capital is at the root of all other forms of capital, and he was interested how economic capital could combine with other forms of capital to create and reproduce inequality (Ihelen, 2005). Although Bourdieu focused more on the terms themselves and how they played a part in society it is clear to see how he influenced the argument of different capitals effect on the class system. As Bourdieu states, looking at other forms of capital from an economic perspective, …show more content…
252). Bourdieu argues that there is some things one cannot obtain without social capital, and as society grows this argument only strengthens. The belief that connections can make or break someone's chances at a possible job or financial opportunity is also involved heavily in society. Bourdieu further argues that all forms of capital are connected and all of these forms are rooted in economic capital. Relating this to the class system, Bourdieu's definitions of social capital argue that at the very least, social capital is rooted in economic capital. Meaning that it has a role to play in the class system. But this is not his only argument. Bourdieu also argues that many services and goods could not be obtained without proper social capital. This explains why lower class individuals lack proper means to obtain these services and goods, and members of the upper class have many luxuries available to them. This divide amongst the classes creates resentment among those in lower classes towards those in classes higher than …show more content…
Bourdieu's own thinking regarding the topic helps solidify this position. Those who disagree may make claims that there is instances of lower class individuals not frustrated in their current class. I counter this argument as the frustration that occurs due to lower classes wanting to achieve more is common in the majority of cultures. As stated before beliefs like the ‘American dream’ have shaped the way many cultures operate. The idea of individuals becoming frustrated due to their class or economic capital adds nothing extra into the idea of class. Rather the only argument I establish is that social capital is the majority reason for these issues. Just as Bourdieu was concerned with social hierarchy when creating the term of social capital, he also helped in explaining the inner workings of class with his connections of all forms of capital. These issues of class have a massive impact in society and result in multiple forms of emotional and societal damage. These instances of damage create larger impacts the more society focuses on class and capital. These impacts demand attention as problems stemming from economic frustration are very damaging. Emotions such as, depression, anger and of course frustration along with the creation of lower class crime rates due to poor economic capital. All of these effects play