Beyond Taste Hierarchy?: Inclusionism vs. Cynicism in Korean Cultural Valuation Scheme

This study examines the relationship between cultural valuation scheme and key variables in the omnivore theory—socioeconomic status and age—using 2022 survey data from Korea. It explores consumer and genre facets of cultural inclusionism and cultural cynicism. The results suggest that higher socioeconomic groups tend to embrace cultural inclusionism and display less cultural cynicism, whereas lower socioeconomic groups exhibit greater cultural cynicism. Whether the cultural inclusionism of the upper-status group is genuine or merely reflects socially desirable attitudes is debatable, possibly influenced by the effects of compressed modernity. The lower socioeconomic group’s cultural cynicism indicates they view highbrow culture as hypocritical and feel liberated from cultural distinctions. These findings highlight a value gap between generations and socioeconomic classes, indicating potential societal polarization.