Social position and cultural omnivorousness in Turkey

This study examines the relationship between social position and cultural engagement patterns, in terms of cultural taste and preferences in Turkey. What makes the Turkish case different from other countries is discussed, in light of the historical background, and with the quantitative national survey analysis, and the qualitative in-depth interview analysis conducted in Istanbul. The evidence for cultural omnivorousness, which is more consistent in contemporary Western countries, is sought by looking at cultural consumption tendencies among different social groups in Turkey. The aim of this study is to find evidence of omnivorousness and seek the meaning of cultural omnivorousness in contemporary Turkey.

Autorentext

Cansu Oktem was born in Manisa, Turkey. She studied in Istanbul at the Koc University where she completed three degrees: a B.A. in Sociology, a B.A. in Psychology and M.A. in Comparative Studies in History and Society. Her main interests are the sociology of culture, the urban space and the cultural boundaries in Turkish society.