Qualitative study of the role of cultural capital and agency on the consumption of hand-woven carpets in contemporary lifestyle (Case study: Rasht city)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research

Author

faculty member of Islamic art university

10.22034/sls.2026.68394.1562

Abstract

This qualitative study explores and examines the relationship and role of cultural capital and agency, focusing on consumption of handwoven carpets as both functional and cultural goods. Data was collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews to understand how individuals interpret carpet consumption within their lifestyle in the city of Rasht. Qualitative content analysis was conducted using integrated theoretical framework drawing on the works of Pierre Bourdieu and Anthony Giddens.

The research questions are as follows: What is the relationship between individuals' level of cultural capital and their consumption of carpets in the lifestyle of Rasht's residents?

How do individuals' lifestyles and agency influence consumption patterns and aesthetic preferences regarding handwoven carpets among the people of Rasht?

The findings indicate that handwoven carpet consumption in Rasht functions not only as utilitarian commodity but also as a symbol of cultural and class identity. Individuals with higher cultural capital tend to use handwoven carpets as distinctive element in lifestyle. On the other hand, individual agency in selecting and utilizing carpets reflects tension between nostalgic views of the past and contemporary aesthetic needs. These findings suggest that carpets in Rasht serve as a bridge between tradition and modernity, playing a role in redefining urban lifestyles.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Journal of Sociology of Lifestyle (SLS)

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 16 May 2026

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 20 August 2025
  • Revise Date: 15 September 2025
  • Accept Date: 16 May 2026
  • Publish Date: 16 May 2026

Share

How to cite

Statistics