• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.766-775
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• 2019

This study investigated the appearance management aspects of middle-aged male CEO's based on Bourdieu's class theory. We conducted in-depth interviews with male CEOs in their 40s and 50s to understand the characteristics of appearance management in terms of economic, cultural and social capital. We found that they acquire educational capital based on their parents' economic capital and form their own cultural capital as adults. They had the characteristics of Petit Brujois, which aimed for a higher class. The characteristics of differentiation based on appearance management identified three results came from solidifying one's class position: clothing management, diversifying and upgrading appearance management, and pursuing their own ideal image. The influence of social network and cultural capital was also observed in appearance management. This study explored the characteristics of discriminatory appearance management through an in-depth study of middle-aged male CEOs as well as contributed to understanding the context of capital and appearance management by applying Bourdieu's class theory. In addition, this study provides basic data that can be referred to a design and marketing direction for the men's clothing market by providing information on male consumers with high purchasing power.