Distinction - Sports

A simple chart based on Bourdieu's theories on taste - in this instance relating to preferred sport compared to perceptions of class in society. By asking a person what sports they like, humans subconsciously assess each others' background and wealth, and decide whether they are suitable companions for each other, thereby reinforcing class boundaries.

It is important to recognise that intellectual capital is not simply a measurement of IQ or intelligence, but a societal measurement of educational levels and childhood background. A person who prefers boxing to croquet for example, may be no less intelligent, although it is likely that their backgrounds and schooling will be very distinct from someone who enjoys croquet.

It must also be noted that there are frequent exceptions. People are free to like or dislike all manner of sports to their own tastes, and eccentric and eclectic tastes will mean no single example could ever be used to pinpoint a person's social status. Likewise, as trends develop, sports can be adopted by different class groups.