Abstract

The Italian National Statistical Institute (ISTAT) has redefined the profile of the Italian social groups through an exercise of multidimensional analysis, based upon aspects of an economic nature (income, working status), cultural (education) and social (nationality, size of the household and of the municipality). Cultural practice and participation are basic dimensions in the study of inequalities and belonging to social groups. They describe possession of instruments enabling participation in the cultural life and familiarity with cultural contents. Belonging to a social group has impact on cultural tastes and behaviours. Data describe the variety of cultural diets and different choices in the use of time and economic resources, highlighting, not only preferences, but also inequalities in access opportunities and capabilities between groups who can afford the choice and groups who cannot.