Literacy and the possession of symbolic capital

What is the relationship between literacy and social status? 'Literacy and the possession of symbolic capital' addresses this question in its examination of a group of immigrants daily literacy practices. Based on an ethnographic study, this book describes the role of literacy in the lives of 14 immigrants who live and work in Athens. The data is discussed within the New Literacy Studies framework and draws upon Bourdieu s model on capital. An analysis of literacy domains, of the role of literacy mediation and of the structure of shop signs are all indicative of the great range of cultural capital among immigrants. However, it is suggested that the rich literacy inventory is not accompanied by a feeling of power, as newcomers in Athens lack the symbolic capital, necessary for their practices to gain status. As a consequence, the people in this research reject the dominant culture, by using their own languages, writing their own poems and creating their own community of practice. This book will be of interest to anyone involved in literacy programmes for immigrants and anyone interested in the relationship between literacy and power.

Autorentext
Zoe Nikolaidou completed her first degree on Linguistics at the Aegean University, in Greece. She studied for an MA on Language Studies and a PhD on workplace literacies at Lancaster University. Her research interests are in literacy as a social practice and, in particular,in the relationship between literacy, power and identity.