Small Is the Gate

Abstract

This essay was inspired by Ta’Nehisi Coates’s article “Acting French,” in which he blends personal narrative and social critique to examine how social and cultural capital reinforce systems of inequality among low-income and Black Americans. The essay weaves Coates’ metaphor of institutions as a labyrinth with scholarly literature on social and cultural capital, offering a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms that reproduce inequality. The translation project that accompanies the essay is a visual representation of Coates’ labyrinth metaphor.

For additional context, listen to the author's reflection on the piece below.