New frontiers of cultural intermediation: how social media practitioners (re)intermediate the relationship between production and consumption

Mariachiara Colucci and Marco Pedroni

Chapter 9 in Research Handbook on the Sociology of Consumption, 2026, pp 117-127 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: In the past two decades, social media practitioners, particularly bloggers and influencers, have emerged as a distinct professional category in fashion. This chapter empirically examines how these professionals align with Pierre Bourdieu's concept of cultural intermediaries. It addresses two key questions: which aspects of influencers’ practices resonate with Bourdieu's traits of cultural intermediaries; and how relevant Bourdieu's depiction is in understanding these contemporary roles. The chapter begins with a theoretical examination of cultural intermediaries and their relevance to fashion. It then details the research design and sets the digital media context for fashion intermediaries. Key findings highlight influencers as second-generation intermediaries who have replaced traditional tastemakers, leveraging social media to innovate new forms of work and reshape the boundaries between production and consumption. The conclusion summarises the results, noting both adherence to and divergence from Bourdieu's original concept.

Keywords: Cultural intermediaries; Bourdieu; Labour market; Bloggers and influencers; Cultural production and consumption (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035310500
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