Lewis: CS

The concept of ‘taste’ becomes a rubric for social distinctions that are constituted around income, education, social refinement and class. In this way, a consumer or group of consumers will shape their own consciousness and identity around the ascribed value of particular products and services. At its simplest level, an individual distinguishes him/herself by driving a BMW to work, while another rides a Vespa. More subtly, an individual purchases department store clothing in the hope that it will pass as expensive designer wear. The social background of another individual is exposed when the etiquette of dining and utensil use is transgressed.

Uit: Jeff Lewis, Cultural Studies