“Paying for the Party” Book Review Part Three: College Cultural Capital Building Activities Must Empower Racialized and Minoritized Students to Redefine Social Hierarchies on Campus

by Rebeca Bonilla and Dr. Benjamin M. Drury

Social dynamics within college campuses often mirror broader societal structures, creating hierarchies that can significantly impact students’ experiences and opportunities. Elizabeth A. Armstrong and Laura T. Hamilton’s work in “Paying for the Party” take readers into a world of explaining how social hierarchies and cultural capital intersect to shape student lives.

Central to their exploration is the role of class projects, such as class reproduction through social closure and achievement, in perpetuating social stratification within colleges.

Students’ projects within college environments often unintentionally perpetuate societal norms and values, creating disparities that favor certain student groups while marginalizing others, especially those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.