Please talk to me about cultural capital...

[breakdown19]

What's important?
This thread has been initiated by the fact that a friend is off to an exhibition today while DH and I are catching up on work (both self employed)
It made me wonder whether we are doing enough for our kids.
NB I have deliberately started this in chat not AIBU as not really looking for a fight.

@Piggywaspushed absolutely agree, I think social capital & skills are just as important. We do lots of cultural activities with the dc but make sure they have playdates, friends to tea, go to any birthday parties they're invited to & the occasional sleepover. It's all about balance. Yes they absolutely need to know the finer social details needed to feel comfortable attending theatre, posh restaurants, art galleries etc...but they also need to be able to relate & fit in with their peers & do fun kids stuff like playdates & sleepovers... It's a balancing act.. Social skills, beautiful manners & speaking confidently to everyone is so important in my book too.

What about if the child is not interested in art, theatre, museums, English heritage or national trust type things?

Would you persevere and hope they take something from it anyway or just not bother?

What other things could you do to create a sense if culture capital without doing these things?

Definitely persevere, the library is a great place to start.. As I said above social skills are as important as cultural capital especially in this digital age, amazing social skills will get you far!

Great post from titchy.

Don't let your children limit themselves. Don't look on cultural capital as a means of 'bettering' yourself. Emphasise and celebrate the shared humanity of all people.

Don't look down your nose at your children's interests, and share yours enthusiastically. Culture isn't just 'high culture'.

I agree with those who have underlined the importance of books in widening horizons.

YYY @JingsWullie wrt Russians and the Soviet ideal of accessibility of 'high' culture for all. Hence the treasured bookcases full of classics in every Russian home I've ever been in, even in the US where I live. Also the respect for education and the arts.

Completely agree, @JaninaDuszejko.

@yourmumsnet the whole point about cultural capital is that it isn't a separate subject that is covered in school.

I agree in regards to the Russians but I would say all Eastern European cultures share the same values...
My dc's have many Eastern European friends & even in the winter the birthday parties are outdoors in local parks/forest picnic areas where the kids have lots of Eastern European style salads & native treats & cakes... My dcs can't wait for the parties, the parents hosting the parties can afford playcentre type parties but appreciate the outdoors, fresh air & giving all the kids a chance to try their native cuisine! We love it!
All Eastern Europeans i know place a huge emphasis on education particularly science, maths & languages. My dc learn so much from their Eastern European friends & I learn alot from the parents!