THE INTERGENERATIONAL TRANSMISSION OF LIFESTYLES

This paper considers the intergenerational transmission of cultural activities, competences and tastes. A review of the international literature provides ample evidence for the intergenerational transmission of lifestyles in a number of domains, although the evidence is stronger in some domains than in others. Research has focussed on particular domains, such as the beaux arts, while neglecting other aspects of lifestyles including sports and food. There follows a discussion of the mechanisms of the intergenerational transmission of lifestyles, including active and passive transmission, and the relevance of this for cultural reproduction and mobility. Finally, I suggest that the agenda for future research in this area should address: the salience of lifestyles for wider social issues; the development of theory; and the quality of data sources.