by assessing relationships between consumption patterns and the distribution of economic and cultural capital, bourdieu identified distinct class tastes within french society of the 1960s. upper-class taste is characterized by refined and subtle distinctions, and it places intrinsic value on aesthetic experience. this particular kind of taste was appreciated as the legitimate basis for "good taste" in french society, acknowledged by the other classes as well. consequently, members of the middle classes appeared to practice "cultural goodwill" in emulating the high-class manners and lifestyles. the taste of the middle classes is not defined as much by authentic appreciation for aesthetics as by a desire to compete in social status. in contrast, the popular taste of the working classes is defined by an imperative for "choosing the necessary". not much importance is placed on aesthetics. this may be because of actual material deprivation excluding anything but the necessary but, also, because of a habit, formed by collective class experiences.