PERTANIKA JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES

Infrastructure development is often seen as a catalyst for economic growth, but its socio-cultural impacts remain underexplored. This study examines how the construction of Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) in Indonesia reshapes local lifestyles, social aspirations, and identities. Using a mixed-methods approach, it combines the Value and Lifestyle System (VALS) framework with Bourdieu’s theory of capital and Featherstone’s consumer culture theory. The findings reveal significant lifestyle shifts from traditional (Believers) to status-oriented (Strivers) consumption patterns, driven by financial gains from land compensation. Increased exposure to urban consumer culture further alters social aspirations, particularly among younger residents. The study highlights the need for more inclusive, culturally sensitive infrastructure planning that balances economic growth with cultural sustainability.