Abstract: This article gives a detailed analysis of Bourdieu’s theory of cultural domination. As Bourdieu points out， symbolic distinction belongs in an indirect way to the economic differences that it reflects and changes. Within the symbolic system， the lifestyle of the upperclass is always at the dominant position， which is accepted as a legitimized taste standard to extensively exercise symbolic violence towards the lowerclass. Symbolic distinction embodies a stratified relational structure of power. Bourdieu’s theory of cultural （symbolic） domination serves not only as a way to help us understand the important functions of our social structures （various kinds of domination and unequal relationships） in the process of production and reproduction but also as a brand new perspective for us to examine the roles of the invisible power in its various forms that influences and controls consciousness and judgments of behaviors.

Key words: Bourdieu, cultural domination, cultural legitimacy, habitus, power, symbolic distinction