Linguistic Capital and Social Inequality

This book explores the intersection of language, education, and social stratification. The book analyzes how English language teaching (ELT) functions not only as a pedagogical practice but also as a mechanism of social reproduction and mobility. Drawing on sociological theory, it examines how English proficiency serves as linguistic capital that can open or restrict access to academic, professional, and cultural opportunities. It also investigates the disparities created by unequal access to quality ELT, showing how class, gender, and ethnicity shape linguistic advantages and disadvantages. The text highlights the global dominance of English and its implications for identity, cultural legitimacy, and power relations. Through theoretical insights and applied perspectives, this work is an essential reference for researchers, teachers, and policymakers interested in sociolinguistics, applied linguistics, and educational equity.