Psychology
Habitus and the Making of Taste
Quick fact
Sociologist Pierre Bourdieu found that even something as personal as taste in music is strongly correlated with social class and education—children of professionals are more likely to appreciate classical music, not because it's objectively better, but because their habitus primes them to.
Why this is interesting
Why do you prefer jazz over hip-hop, or minimalist décor over ornate? Your choices feel personal, but they might be quietly programmed by your social background.