This workshop examines contemporary transformations in social and symbolic hierarchies in the era of globalization. Using comparative and multi-scalar approaches, it explores the articulation among social, symbolic, and geographic spaces. Participants will discuss the differentiated effects of global dynamics on contemporary logics of distinction, social classification, and cultural practices. Drawing on empirical data from diverse contexts, the meeting will weave together qualitative, quantitative, and computational methods. The aim is to renew analyses of inequality by bridging statistical objectification and lived subjectivities, the transnational circulation of symbolic capital, and the local anchoring of cultural legitimacy. Bringing together leading scholars in the field, the workshop invites an open, collegial exchange on shared challenges and the most suitable theoretical and methodological approaches to address them.

16 October 2025

 9:30–10:00 — Welcome

10:00–10:30 — Opening, Frédéric Lebaron (ENS Paris–Saclay)

10:30–12:30 — Session 1: The symbolic space in Brazil and Europe

• dInvestigating distinction in a metropole (São Paulo): research design, methodology, and innovation, Miqueli Michetti (University of Paraiba), Michel Nicolau Netto (University of Campinas), Edison Bertoncelo (University of São Paulo)
• dThe symbolic space in the city of São Paulo, Michel Nicolau Netto (University of Campinas)
• dThe contemporary space of cultural tastes in France, Nicolas Robette (University of Versailles) & Olivier Roueff (CNRS/Université Côte d’Azur)

14:00–17:30 — Session 2: Social space and symbolic space in Europe

• dComparing countries, exporting classifications, surpassing methodological nationalism: Class, gender, and education gaps in and between France and Portugal, Yamine Siblot (Université Paris 8), Cédric Hugrée (CNRS/ Université Paris 8) & Virgílio Borges Pereira (University of Porto)
• dA dynamic analysis of the space of families’ cultural and educational practices from the ELFE cohort using Multiple Factor Analysis (MFA), Philippe Coulangeon (CNRS/Sciences Po)
• dPrinciples and experiences in constructing Bourdieusan social Spaces, Lennart Rosenlund (University of Stavanger)

17 October 2025

9:30–10:00 — Welcome

10:00–12:30 — Session 3: Different national contexts

• dFiner distinctions: class, generation and gender in the cultural participation in Croatia, Predrag Cvetičanin (University of Niš) & Mirko Petrić (University of Zadar)
• dThe social space of São Paulo, Edison Bertoncelo (University of São Paulo)
• dSocial space, symbolization and neighborhood formation in the city of Porto (Portugal), Virgílio Borges Pereira (University of Porto)

14:00–17:00 — Session 4: Inequalities from the local to the global

• dExploring elites and the educated poor in São Paulo, Miqueli Michetti (University of Paraiba)
• dCultural boundaries and cultural participation in contemporary France, Lucas Page Pereira (ENS Paris–Saclay), Frédéric Lebaron (ENS Paris–Saclay), Philippe Bonnet (Université Paris Cité), Johs Hjellbrekke (University of Bergen), Brigitte Le Roux (Sciences Po)
• dDivergences and convergences across European musical preferences: How taste varies within and between countries, Laurie Hanquinet (University of Brussels)

17:00 — Conclusion, Renato Ortiz (University of Campinas)

Adress:  Espace Gilbert Simondon, room 1B26. ENS Paris-Saclay.4 avenue des Sciences, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette.

Public opening hours: Mon–Fri 08:00–20:00; Sat 08:00–13:00 (excluding public holidays and closures).

GPS for drivers: enter Rue Yvette Cauchois

Coordinates: 48.713144, 2.162143

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From Paris

1. RER B Station - Trains direction the South, « Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse »

RER Station : « Massy-Palaiseau »

2. Walk (About 3 min) to the Bus terminal of Massy-Palaiseau

3. Bus 4606 – direction “Christ de Saclay” (11 stops)

Bus Stop: « Moulon »

 4.     At ENS Paris–Saclay, on the first floor (southwest building): Espace Gilbert Simondon, room 1B26.

 Access Plan – 1^st Floor