Good practice requires theory

"The subtle differences" - More than a seminar on etiquette, an invitation to self-reflection

Inspired by Pierre Bourdieu's book "Distinction: A Social Critique of the Judgement of Taste", our seminar opens the door to a world in which etiquette is seen not just as a collection of rigid rules, but as a reflection of social structures and individual attitudes. A central concept of the seminar is “habitus”. This encompasses a person's entire appearance, their manners and the nature of their social behavior. We explore how these social imprints unconsciously control not only our behavior, but also our preferences and habits.

Habitus - A class-specific imprint
A person's habitus is rooted in the social structures in which they live. It is acquired through socialization and is therefore a product of interactions with the social environment. This concept opens up a deep understanding of how individual and social practices are inextricably linked. Habitus guides action in social fields and shapes our decisions and interactions, often without us realizing it.

Distinction - the will to set oneself apart

One of the driving forces of habitus is distinction, the will to social demarcation. This is practiced in particular by the upper classes, who set standards for valued lifestyles. Our seminar sheds light on how this distinction can serve both as an instrument of social stratification and as a means of self-empowerment to consciously go beyond the implicit rules that govern our behavior.

The role of types of capital

In our seminar, we discuss in detail the different types of capital that Bourdieu defines: economic capital includes the possession of material goods, cultural capital refers to education and cultural goods, social capital arises from networks of relationships, and symbolic capital includes the social recognition that a person enjoys. These types of capital cannot be viewed in isolation, but interact dynamically to determine our social position and our opportunities in life.

Possibilities for shaping the habitus

Although the habitus is deeply rooted and stable, Bourdieu's theory shows that it can be changed through conscious confrontation and reflection. The seminar offers you the tools to critically question your own taste preferences and behavioral patterns, which are often taken for granted. We encourage you to think about the reasons and motivations behind your actions and to explore alternative ways of acting that can enrich your personal and professional interactions.

Practical applications in everyday life

We will show you how you can use the findings on habitus and the different types of capital to make your social interactions more conscious and appreciative. Learn how you can not only demonstrate appropriate behavior in different social contexts through a reflective application of etiquette, but also foster an atmosphere of respect and appreciation.

Expand your horizons

This seminar is ideal for anyone who wants to go beyond a simple understanding of rules and understand the deeper social mechanisms that govern our behavior. It is an opportunity to recognize your own imprints and understand how to modify them for positive social impact.

Our call to dialog

At the end of our seminar, you will not only be equipped with knowledge, but also inspired to translate this knowledge into practical skills that will enrich your everyday life and your professional relationships. We cordially invite you to become part of our community, which is committed to conscious and appreciative social interaction. Get in touch with us, share your experiences or start a discussion. We look forward to a lively exchange with you!

By not accepting the habitus as a given, unchangeable structure, but rather as a starting point for personal growth and social change, we offer you the opportunity to play an active role in shaping your social world. Accept this challenge and discover how understanding and applying Bourdieu's theories can enrich not only your own life, but also the lives of those around you.