The practices of social distinction. A case study of youth in the city of Cali, Colombia

Abstract

The article displays the main results of a study undertaken between 1998 and 2000 among young men in the city of Cali, Colombia; exploring their practices of distinction in regards to the body, clothing, social circuits, women as ostentation objects and their dynamics of prestige. The study is developed on the basis of participant observation and interviews with groups of young men between 14 and 22 years old, among low-middle and middle-high classes. The study examines their opinions on fashion, prestige, social distinction and behaviors that grant or remove social status.