Lafite in China: media representations of 'wine culture' in new markets

Smith Maguire, J. and Lim, M. (2015) Lafite in China: media representations of 'wine culture' in new markets. Journal of Macromarketing, 35(2), pp. 229-242. (doi: 10.1177/0276146714529975)

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Abstract

Increased economic power has positioned China within the global elite, yet China’s legitimacy remains low with regard to hierarchies of taste. Drawing from Bourdieu and Elias, this article offers an account of the global dynamics of status contests, and the role played by cultural capital and notions of civility and vulgarity. Specifically, we examine how U.S., UK, and Chinese media represent Chinese consumption of fine wine, and particularly that of Château Lafite, in the 2000 to 2013 period. Our analysis reveals four major ways in which Chinese fine wine consumption is framed—as vulgar, popular, functional, and discerning—and highlights tensions between Western and Chinese terms of cultural legitimacy. The research uncovers nuanced dimensions to the “East/West” divide in terms of the grades of cultural capital, competing logics of valuation, and modes of civility at play. Macromarketing implications of fine wine consumption in a fragmented and complex market are discussed.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Lim, Professor Ming
Authors: Smith Maguire, J., and Lim, M.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management
Journal Name:Journal of Macromarketing
Publisher:SAGE Publications
ISSN:0276-1467
ISSN (Online):1552-6534
Published Online:08 April 2014

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