Cultural omnivores are individuals who have a diverse range of cultural interests, tastes, and experiences. They embrace and engage with various cultural practices and genres rather than restricting themselves to one particular type of art, music, or literature.
Sociologists and cultural theorists have extensively studied and debated the concept of cultural omnivores since it was first introduced in 2004 by Richard Peterson and Roger Kern.
In contrast to the traditional view of highbrow and lowbrow culture, cultural omnivores are characterized by their ability to appreciate both high and popular cultures. They are not confined to the narrow preferences of a particular social class, demographic or cultural group.
Instead, omnivores tend to have a broader range of cultural interests and are likelier to seek out and appreciate new and different forms of artistic expression.
One of the key features of cultural omnivores is their high level of cultural capital. Cultural capital refers to individuals’ knowledge, skills, and cultural resources, enabling them to navigate and engage with different art forms.
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Cultural omnivores tend to have a broad range of cultural knowledge and skills, which allows them to participate in different cultural practices and engage with diverse communities.
Cultural omnivores are only sometimes born with high levels of cultural capital. Instead, they may acquire cultural capital through various means, such as education, socialization, travel, and exposure to different cultural forms.
For instance, an individual who grows up in a household that values classical music and literature may develop a taste for these cultural forms while simultaneously being exposed to other forms of popular culture through their peers, media, or online platforms.
So hypothetically, a person admiring Jagjit Singh is also seen appreciating Justin Bieber’s songs.
One of the benefits of being a cultural omnivore is that it enables individuals to develop a more nuanced and sophisticated understanding of the world around them. Engaging with a wide range of cultural experiences exposes individuals to different perspectives and ways of thinking, which can help them develop a more sophisticated worldview.
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Cultural omnivores can often see the connections between different cultural practices and understand how historical, social, and political factors shape them.
Another benefit of being a cultural omnivore is that it can lead to greater social mobility and cultural integration. Individuals can expand their social networks and interact with people from different backgrounds by engaging with various artistic forms.
This diversity can help break down cultural barriers and promote greater community understanding and tolerance. So they might like to order a cappuccino from Starbucks or any other premium café but are also seen chilling with their colleagues at a “chai tapri.”
However, there are also some criticisms of the cultural omnivore concept.
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One criticism is that it assumes cultural engagement is a purely individualistic and voluntary choice and ignores how social and economic structures shape cultural participation. For instance, individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds may need more access to cultural resources and opportunities, which can otherwise limit their ability to become cultural omnivores.
Another criticism is that the cultural omnivore concept focuses on highbrow or elite cultural forms and ignores how popular culture can also be a source of cultural richness and diversity. While cultural omnivores may appreciate classical music or contemporary art, they may also enjoy popular forms such as reality TV or blockbuster movies. Focusing only on elite cultural forms, the cultural omnivore concept risks perpetuating elitism and cultural snobbery.
Despite these criticisms, the cultural omnivore concept remains an important and valuable way of understanding how individuals engage with artistic forms.
It highlights the importance of cultural capital and how it can shape cultural participation and emphasizes the benefits of artistic engagement for personal growth, social mobility, and cultural integration.
By being open to new experiences and willing to explore different cultural practices, individuals can develop a richer and more complex understanding of the world around them and become more active and engaged members of society.
So how do you identify yourself – as a Cultural Omnivore? Univore (very particular about choices) or a Mix?