Omnivorism of Eating and 'Highbrow-Lowbrow' Distinction: Cultural Stratification in Poland
Omnivorism of Eating and 'Highbrow-Lowbrow' Distinction: Cultural Stratification in Poland

Summary/Abstract: The idea of the cultural omnivore is increasingly popular. Research in this vein argues that upper-middle class individuals prefer an above-average diversity of art, and that this diversity of tastes is the new marker of high status. Using data from the 2013 national survey, the current study replicates studies carried out in Western societies with respect to patterns of eating. By analyzing the preferences of tastes I try to establish, first-whether omnivorism in eating is mostly displayed among representatives of highbrow culture, referred to intelligentsia, second-to what extent it replaces hierarchical distinction between highbrow and lowbrow categories. It confirms that omnivorism in eating in Poland exists and dominates among higher managers and specialists-they overrun owners, middle lower classes, working class and farmers. Furthermore, although the cultural omnivorism is a new taste pattern, it correlates strongly with the cultural division in highbrow and lowbrow categories.

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