SOC 385 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Cultural Capital, Social Capital, Intercultural Competence
Pierre Bourdieu (1930-2002)
• Bourdieu came from humble class origins, but gained admittance into
Frances prestigious Ecole Normale Superiere.
• Initially, Bourdieu was trained as a philosopher, but he gradually came to see
himself as a sociologist.
• Unlike most French (left) intellectuals, Bourdieu was not involved in political
activism, although he saw his work as inherently critical of existing social
institutions.
Habitus & Field
By the focus on habitus, Bourdieu solves the problem of structure and
agency. As we discussed before, it is not either or. Nor it is simple
combination (!!), but it is how the intersection between the two works.
Bourdieu gives more role to agency, but the agency is struggling/ contested
all the time. It is in a constant state of position and disposition (Habitus) (But
some scholars believe that Bourdieu is deep down structuralist!!)
The field is not structure, not a class. This it is not constraining like in Marx
(class). But it is not totally free because some people have more say on the
field. Field is also an open and enabling space; it is also a site of battle over
resources.
Habitus:
Not Finalist actor.
Not Machiavellian and or rational actor.
Not entirely controlled by structure
Not entirely free and spontaneous
It is in your head and also in your body/practice
Habitus refers to a set of internalized dispositions (or orientations toward
behavior) that are engrained in each individual by virtue of her upbringing.
Habitus is what allows us to read the cues regarding what is appropriate in
a given situation.
The concept of habitus is sometimes compared to socialization, but
socialization allows greater flexibility in adapting to new environments than
does habitus.
Is a set of beliefs and practices that are enabling and also disabling and
contested all the time that guide you in your social action; or
Your social inclination!
Your history and socialization emobodied and internalized)
And Habitus is historically situated and contingent.
Individuals cannot strategically choose a lifestyle that conforms to a higher
status position.
Lifestyle preferences are an indelible part of each individuals habitus,
dependent on early life experiences.
find more resources at oneclass.com
find more resources at oneclass.com
Document Summary
France(cid:495)s prestigious ecole normale superiere: bourdieu came from humble class origins, but gained admittance into. By the focus on habitus, bourdieu solves the problem of structure and agency. As we discussed before, it is not either or. ), but it is how the intersection between the two works. Bourdieu gives more role to agency, but the agency is struggling/ contested all the time. It is in a constant state of position and disposition (habitus) (but some scholars believe that bourdieu is deep down structuralist!!) The field is not structure, not a class. This it is not constraining like in marx (class). But it is not totally free because some people have more say on the field. Field is also an open and enabling space; it is also a site of battle over resources. Habitus refers to a set of internalized dispositions (or orientations toward behavior) that are engrained in each individual by virtue of her upbringing.
