ABSTRACT
This chapter first offers a brief critique of the mainstream perspective on inequality. Then, it turns to the neglected historical and symbolic dimensions in the study of inequality. Further, it explores the construction of a framework integrating the notions of class, socioculture and symbolic classification. This view of inequality is corroborated by everyday observations. Theories of social inequality as well as the political discourse and common sense have assumed that the transformation of society toward capitalism produces a complete rupture with the past. The symbolic inequality between the classes has to be expressed in a manner that makes it appear natural instead of socially constructed and socially inherited. Along with the specific relation between symbolic universe and social structures, capitalism creates a few novelties which are relevant to the understanding of inequality. These novelties have transformed society. Pierre Bourdieu claimed that the distribution of capital and relevant habitus traits lies at the core of inequality in capitalist societies.
