Socialization of habitus: gender and generation in the elites of São Paulo

Abstract

The objective of the article is to bring information about the socialization of gender in four generations of the São Paulo elite in the 20th and 21st centuries. This is the analysis of data collected in the research Thought and cultural practices of the elite paulistana. The intention is to problematize the socializing experiences of men and women - straight and homosexual - inquiring about the possible transformations of the forms of power hierarchy in these groups from the gender habitus. The data were collected in interviews and questionnaires, with a qualitative look, in a group of 48 people. The main hypothesis is based on Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of capital, among others, and its subjective forms of construction of habitus dispositions. It is noteworthy, on the one hand, that people’s generations and gender have undergone significant changes, indicating individual and social ruptures with some established standards for their gender or generation. On the other hand, it is also indicated the permanence of a practical sense that continues to guarantee status positions in all generations due to their expertise, subjectivities and family background.