Theory of Practice

Pierre Bourdieu

  • Theory of Practice: An Introduction
  • Core Concepts of Theory of Practice
  • Key Contributions of the Theory of Practice
  • Application of Bourdieu’s Theory
  • Critical Evaluation of Bourdieu’s Theory

Theory of Practice: An Introduction

Pierre Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice offers a profound framework for understanding the interplay between individuals, social structures and culture. Central to his theory is the concept of habitus, a system of deeply ingrained dispositions and practices shaped by an individual’s social background, which influences how they perceive and respond to the world. Bourdieu argues that human actions are not merely the result of rational decision-making but are instead guided by these unconscious, embodied structures that reflect social conditions. His theory also emphasizes the role of capital—in its various forms (cultural, social, economic, and symbolic)—in shaping power dynamics within society. Bourdieu’s work critiques the reductionist approaches of both structuralism and individualism, proposing instead that social life is shaped by a dynamic interaction between agency and structure. Through his exploration of fields (specific social arenas like education or art), Bourdieu illuminates how practices are both influenced by and help to reproduce social hierarchies, offering a comprehensive lens to analyze inequality and social mobility.

Pierre Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice offers a comprehensive framework for understanding social behaviour, power dynamics, and cultural practices. Central to his theory is the concept of habitus, which refers to the deep-seated, unconscious dispositions that individuals develop over time through their socialization within particular cultural and historical contexts. Habitus shapes how people perceive and respond to the world, influencing their actions, tastes, and decisions. It is not fixed but evolves through experiences, reinforcing or altering one’s place within social structures. Bourdieu also introduces the concept of capital, which goes beyond economic wealth to encompass various forms of power, such as cultural capital (knowledge, education, and intellectual resources), social capital (networks and relationships), and symbolic capital (prestige and recognition). These forms of capital help individuals navigate and negotiate social fields—spaces where people compete for resources and power. A key feature of Bourdieu’s theory is the idea of field, which represents different social arenas like education, politics, and art, each with its own set of rules, struggles, and forms of capital. Bourdieu’s theory critiques traditional notions of agency, arguing that actions are deeply shaped by the interplay between individual habitus and the external structures of the social fields in which individuals participate. This theoretical approach emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities of social life, where power, culture, and identity are always in flux, and social inequalities are often reproduced through subtle mechanisms of distinction and exclusion.

Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice provides a powerful lens through which we can analyze the relationship between individuals and society, particularly focusing on how individuals’ actions and practices are shaped by their social environments, yet still possess the capacity for transformation. One of Bourdieu’s key contributions is his challenge to the dichotomy between structure and agency. He argues that rather than being solely determined by external structures or fully autonomous, human behaviour is a result of the dynamic interaction between individual dispositions (habitus) and the external world (social fields). This nuanced understanding of agency allows Bourdieu to bridge the gap between determinism and free will, suggesting that people’s actions are shaped by the cumulative experiences and social conditions they’ve encountered, but they are not entirely bound by them.

The concept of habitus also allows for an understanding of how social inequalities are perpetuated. Habitus is often linked to an individual’s social background, such as their family, class, and cultural experiences, and plays a critical role in reproducing the status quo. For instance, children raised in privileged environments develop a habitus that aligns with the expectations and practices of elite fields, whereas those from marginalized backgrounds may develop dispositions that constrain their opportunities. This dynamic helps to explain how social inequalities are not just produced by structural forces but are also ingrained in individuals’ behaviours, preferences, and choices, which are largely unconscious.

Capital, in Bourdieu’s theory, is a central idea for understanding social power. The various forms of capital (economic, cultural, social, and symbolic) are often unequally distributed across society, and individuals’ ability to navigate different social fields depends on the types and amounts of capital they possess. For example, in the educational field, cultural capital in the form of linguistic skills, cultural knowledge, and family support can significantly impact students’ academic success, often correlating with their social class. Additionally, the concept of symbolic capital is crucial, as it highlights how power can be exercised through the recognition and legitimacy granted by others. In this sense, power is not just about material resources but also about the ability to influence perceptions and gain status within specific social contexts.

Bourdieu’s fields represent the complex, competitive arenas where individuals and groups struggle to accumulate capital. Fields are autonomous in the sense that they have their own specific rules, but they are also interconnected. For example, the cultural field, such as the world of art or academia, is distinct from the economic field, but the two fields often overlap, with individuals using cultural capital to gain economic advantage and vice versa. Fields are also sites of power struggles, where different actors (e.g., artists, politicians, educators) compete to impose their vision and gain control over the distribution of capital.

Bourdieu’s emphasis on symbolic violence provides insight into how domination and inequality are maintained in subtle, often invisible ways. Symbolic violence refers to the imposition of dominant cultural norms and values on those who are marginalized, often without explicit coercion or force. This form of violence operates through the mechanisms of language, education, and cultural practices, reinforcing social hierarchies. For instance, people who do not adhere to the dominant linguistic codes or cultural practices may be labeled as inferior, thus further entrenching their marginalized status.

In sum, Pierre Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice offers a sophisticated framework for understanding social behaviour, power, and inequality. By focusing on the relationship between habitus, capital, and field, Bourdieu allows us to see how individual actions are shaped by larger social forces, while also accounting for the potential for social change. His theory has had a profound impact on sociology, anthropology, education, and cultural studies, providing critical tools for analyzing how power, culture, and identity are negotiated and reproduced in society.

Core Concepts of Theory of Practice

Pierre Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice is built on interrelated core concepts; habitus, field, capital, practice and doxa. These ideas explain how individuals and social structures interact to shape human behaviour and maintain or transform societal hierarchies. Below is a detailed exploration of these concepts:

1. Habitus: Habitus is one of the foundational concepts in Bourdieu’s theory, describing the deeply ingrained habits, dispositions, and ways of thinking and acting that individuals develop through their life experiences. These dispositions are shaped by social conditions, such as class, family background, and cultural environment, and they influence how individuals perceive the world and respond to it. Habitus is both structured by external forces and structuring, as it shapes behaviours and reinforces existing social norms. It is durable and tends to persist over time, yet it is also flexible enough to adapt to new contexts. For example, someone raised in a working-class environment may internalize values like practicality and resilience, which shape their attitudes and behaviours throughout life, even if they later move into a different social setting. Habitus operates largely unconsciously, meaning people often act without being fully aware of the social forces influencing them. This concept is crucial for understanding how individuals navigate their social world and why they often reproduce the patterns of behaviour associated with their social background.

2. Field: A field refers to a structured social space or arena where individuals and groups compete for resources, power, and recognition. Each field, whether it be education, art, politics, or the economy, has its own rules, values, and hierarchies that govern how it operates. For example, the academic field prioritizes intellectual achievements and credentials, while the economic field values financial success and profit. Within each field, individuals occupy positions that are determined by their access to various forms of capital, such as economic wealth, cultural knowledge, or social connections. Fields are not static; they are dynamic spaces of struggle where individuals and groups compete to gain dominance or maintain their position. These struggles revolve around the forms of capital that are most valued within the specific field. Importantly, fields are relatively autonomous, meaning the rules and logic that govern one field may not apply to another. This concept allows Bourdieu to analyze how power operates differently across various domains of society and how individuals’ actions are shaped by the specific conditions of the fields they inhabit.

3. Capital: Capital, in Bourdieu’s theory, refers to the resources that individuals and groups possess and use to gain power, influence, and status within a given field. Unlike the traditional economic definition of capital, Bourdieu expands the concept to include multiple forms. Economic capital refers to financial assets and material wealth, which can directly determine one’s ability to navigate certain fields, such as the market or education. Cultural capital encompasses knowledge, skills and cultural goods, such as the ability to appreciate fine art or the possession of educational qualifications. This type of capital can be embodied (like language skills or taste), objectified (like owning a valuable painting), or institutionalized (like holding a university degree). Social capital pertains to the networks and relationships that provide access to resources and opportunities, such as professional connections or family ties. Lastly, symbolic capital represents prestige, honor, or recognition, which can confer legitimacy and authority within a field. For example, a Nobel Prize winner has symbolic capital that enhances their status in both academic and public spheres. These forms of capital are interconnected and can often be converted—for instance, a degree (cultural capital) can lead to a high-paying job (economic capital). The unequal distribution of capital across society plays a central role in perpetuating social hierarchies, as dominant groups use their capital to maintain their position and limit access for others.

4. Practice: Practice, in Bourdieu’s framework, refers to the actions and behaviours individuals perform in their daily lives. These practices are not simply the result of conscious decision-making or adherence to explicit rules; rather, they emerge from the interaction between habitus, capital, and field. Practices are guided by what Bourdieu calls a “feel for the game,” an intuitive sense developed through one’s habitus that allows individuals to act appropriately within a specific field. For instance, a skilled soccer player does not calculate every move but relies on an embodied understanding of the game. Similarly, a business executive may instinctively know how to navigate a meeting based on their familiarity with the norms of the corporate field. Practices are significant because they often reproduce social structures; people tend to act in ways that align with their habitus and the logic of the field, reinforcing existing hierarchies and norms. However, practices can also lead to social change, particularly when individuals or groups challenge the dominant rules of a field or innovate within it. This dual potential for reproduction and transformation makes practice a key concept for understanding both stability and change in society.

5. Doxa: Doxa refers to the deeply embedded beliefs, values, and assumptions that are accepted as self-evident truths within a society or a specific field. These beliefs are so ingrained that they are rarely questioned and often go unnoticed. For example, in many societies, the idea that success is the result of individual effort is a form of doxa that obscures the structural inequalities limiting opportunities for certain groups. Doxa plays a critical role in maintaining social order by naturalizing and legitimizing existing hierarchies and power relations. It contributes to what Bourdieu calls symbolic violence, a subtle form of domination where marginalized groups internalize the values and norms of the dominant class, often at their own expense. For instance, working-class individuals might blame themselves for their lack of success, rather than recognizing the structural barriers that limit their opportunities. Doxa is most effective when it operates invisibly, as it shapes people’s perceptions and actions without their awareness. However, moments of crisis or social upheaval can disrupt doxa, exposing the arbitrary nature of social norms and creating opportunities for change.

As an interplay of these core concepts—habitus, field, capital, practice and doxa form a comprehensive framework for analyzing social life. Habitus shapes individuals’ dispositions, while fields provide the context and rules within which they act. Capital determines their position and influence within a field, and practices emerge as the product of these interactions. Doxa sustains the entire system by legitimizing the existing social order and making it appear natural. Through this framework, Bourdieu provides a powerful lens for understanding the reproduction of social inequalities and the dynamics of power in various domains of society.

Key Contributions of the Theory of Practice

The key contributions of theory of practice given by Pierre Bourdieu, has shaped contemporary sociological thought. These contributions provide profound insights into how social behaviour, power, and inequality are structured and reproduced in society which can further be described in more precise ways as follows:

1. Integration of Structure and Agency: Bourdieu offers a way to reconcile two important debates in sociology: structure versus agency. This dualism refers to the tension between the idea that individuals are shaped by larger social structures (structure) and the idea that people can exercise free will and autonomy in their actions (agency). From Bourdieu perspective, both can be further described as follows:

1.1 Structure: Bourdieu’s concept of field represents the social spaces (e.g., family, education, politics, culture) within which individuals interact. These fields are governed by specific rules, hierarchies, and power relations. The field dictates certain opportunities and constraints for individuals based on their position within the field.

1.2 Agency: On the other hand, habitus refers to an individual’s internalized set of dispositions, tastes, beliefs, and practices, formed over time through socialization. It shapes how individuals act and respond to various situations. While habitus is shaped by the structures in which individuals are immersed (e.g., class, culture, education), it also gives them the ability to act in ways that are not entirely determined by those structures.

Bourdieu’s genius lies in his ability to combine these elements—habitus (agency) and field (structure)—in a dialectical relationship. He shows that while individuals have the capacity to act, their actions are not entirely free. Their behaviours are influenced by the structures in which they are embedded, yet they still possess a degree of autonomy to reshape those structures based on their capital (economic, cultural, social).

In essence, Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice challenges the dichotomy between structure and agency by proposing that social life is the result of the constant interaction between individuals’ dispositions (habitus) and the external structures (fields) that shape their actions.

2. Critique of Objectivism and Subjectivism: Bourdieu critiques two dominant approaches in sociology and social theory: objectivism and subjectivism are being described as follows:

2.1 Objectivism: This approach treats social life as something that exists independently of individuals’ perceptions. It focuses purely on structural factors, like economic systems, institutions, and social norms. Objectivists might claim that individuals’ actions are fully determined by these structures.

2.2 Subjectivism: In contrast, subjectivism emphasizes individual consciousness, intention and choice. It focuses on the subjective experience of individuals and their ability to shape their actions independently of social structures.

Bourdieu rejects both extremes. He argues that social reality is neither purely objective nor purely subjective but is instead relational. People are agents in the world, but they are shaped by structures, and the structures themselves are continuously recreated through people’s actions.

Thus, Bourdieu provides a more balanced, relational perspective that integrates objective structures with subjective dispositions. His concept of habitus reflects the internalized, embodied sense of social reality, while field accounts for the objective structures that shape those experiences. The practices that individuals engage in are a result of this complex relationship between the objective (field) and the subjective (habitus).

3. Symbolic Violence: One of the most powerful and revolutionary aspects of Bourdieu’s theory is the concept of symbolic violence, which refers to the subtle, often invisible, forms of power exercised in society. Unlike physical violence, symbolic violence works through symbols, language, and cultural norms to impose meaning and values in a way that appears “natural” or “legitimate.” It can  be described as follows:

3.1 Naturalization of Social Hierarchies: Symbolic violence is exercised when dominant groups impose their values, norms, and practices upon subordinate groups. Over time, these impositions become taken-for-granted and are perceived as the way things ought to be. For example, the idea that certain kinds of education, tastes, or lifestyles are superior to others is often framed as “common sense” or “cultural capital.” As a result, individuals in lower social strata internalize these values, believing them to be natural, even when they work against their own interests.

3.2 Disguised Inequality: Symbolic violence masks inequality because it operates in ways that do not appear to be coercive. It is not imposed through overt physical force, but through subtle mechanisms like language, media, education, and other cultural forms. These mechanisms produce social categories (such as “high culture” vs. “low culture”) that legitimize the power of dominant groups.

This concept helps explain how inequality is reproduced over time. People are socialized into accepting the social order and the unequal distribution of power, making resistance to social inequality much harder to mobilize.

4. Reflexivity: Bourdieu emphasizes reflexivity, which is the idea that researchers and sociologists must be critically aware of their own social positions and biases. Reflexivity requires scholars to recognize how their own habitus, social background, and position within the academic field affect the way they conduct research and interpret social reality and is being described as follows:

4.1 Critique of Traditional Objectivity: Traditional approaches in sociology often claim objectivity, suggesting that scholars can remain detached from their research subjects. However, Bourdieu argues that scholars, like all individuals, are influenced by their own social capital, experiences, and positions. These subjective elements can shape their research questions, methods, and interpretations.

4.2 Scientific Knowledge as Social Practice: Bourdieu’s call for reflexivity invites scholars to treat scientific knowledge as a form of social practice. Knowledge production is itself shaped by the same social dynamics that govern other forms of practice. Just as individuals in society struggle for capital within fields, so too do scholars engage in power struggles within the academic field for recognition, prestige, and influence.

By recognizing the social embeddedness of knowledge production, reflexivity offers a way to make sociological research more rigorous and self-aware, encouraging researchers to scrutinize their own roles in the social world.

On the basis of above description, it can be stated that Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice offers a complex and nuanced understanding of social life. His theory emphasizes the interplay between individuals’ internalized dispositions (habitus) and the social structures (fields) within which they act, producing a dynamic and reciprocal relationship. His critique of objectivism and subjectivism, his analysis of symbolic violence, and his focus on reflexivity have all been crucial for understanding how power, inequality, and social norms are constructed and maintained in society.

These contributions have helped sociologists move beyond simplistic binaries and have paved the way for more relational and critical approaches to the study of social behaviour and institutions. Through his work, Bourdieu has reshaped how we think about culture, power, class and agency, leaving a lasting impact on social theory.

Application of Bourdieu’s Theory

Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice provides a versatile framework for analyzing various social phenomena. Below are several key areas where his concepts such as; habitus, field, capital, symbolic violence, and doxa have been applied and have influenced sociological research and are being described in detail as follows:

1. Education: Bourdieu’s work on education, especially his studies of how schooling reproduces social inequality, is one of his most influential contributions and can be described as follows:

1.1 Cultural Capital and Academic Achievement: Bourdieu argued that educational institutions do not simply impart knowledge but also act as mechanisms for reproducing social class distinctions. Students from privileged backgrounds possess cultural capital—such as language skills, mannerisms, and knowledge that align with the dominant culture in the educational field. This cultural capital gives them an advantage in schools, where the curriculum and teaching styles are often oriented toward the values and tastes of the upper class.

Conversely, students from lower-income backgrounds may lack the cultural capital valued by schools, putting them at a disadvantage, even if they possess intellectual potential. This creates a system where academic success is often tied to social background rather than individual merit. Bourdieu demonstrated how schools reproduce existing social inequalities rather than challenge them.

1.2 Habitus and Educational Trajectories: Habitus, as an internalized set of dispositions shaped by one’s social background, influences how students engage with education. For example, students from working-class backgrounds may develop a habitus that is more skeptical of or disengaged from formal education, while middle- or upper-class students might develop a habitus that is attuned to the expectations and values of educational institutions. This leads to unequal access to educational opportunities and, ultimately, unequal educational outcomes.

2. Cultural Production and Media: Bourdieu’s concept of the field of cultural production is particularly relevant in analyzing how culture (art, literature, music, etc.) is produced, consumed, and legitimized in society and being described in more precise manner as follows:

2.1 Art and Literature: In his analysis of the art world, Bourdieu used the concept of a field to describe how artists, critics, and institutions struggle for dominance within the cultural field. This field is structured by various forms of capital, including cultural capital (e.g., aesthetic expertise) and social capital (e.g., connections within artistic networks). The dominant group within this field—often institutional actors like galleries, museums, and critics—has the power to determine what counts as “high art” and what is considered legitimate cultural production.

Bourdieu’s work helps explain how certain types of art, literature or music gain prestige and recognition, not because they are necessarily the best or most innovative, but because they align with the interests and values of powerful cultural institutions. For instance, works that are consistent with the tastes and ideologies of elite cultural institutions are more likely to be deemed “high culture” and receive greater recognition.

2.2 Media and Journalism: Similarly, Bourdieu’s ideas can be applied to the media field. He argued that media outlets—news organizations, television channels, magazines—are not neutral but are shaped by the interests and power relations of those who control them. In the media field, journalistic practices and content are influenced by the types of capital (economic, cultural, social) that journalists and media owners hold. The resulting content often reflects the interests of dominant social classes, contributing to the shaping of public opinion and the maintenance of social hierarchies.

3. Social Inequality: Bourdieu’s work is foundational in understanding how social inequalities are reproduced across generations. His theory sheds light on the subtle ways in which class, race, and gender inequalities are maintained in following ways:

3.1 Reproduction of Social Class: Bourdieu’s research on social reproduction sheds light on how inequalities tied to social class are maintained through the interconnected roles of habitus, field, and capital. Take, for instance, kids from wealthy families. They grow up immersed in a habitus that naturally fits with the norms of elite spaces like top universities or influential political roles. These children often benefit from significant economic and cultural resources, which help them secure high-status positions and, in turn, pass those advantages down to their own kids. Meanwhile, children from working-class or less affluent backgrounds tend to develop a habitus that doesn’t align as easily with the expectations of these elite fields. Combined with limited access to economic and cultural capital, their opportunities for upward mobility are often constrained.

This pattern reveals how social inequality becomes self-perpetuating. Those born into privilege have easier access to resources and opportunities, which helps them maintain their advantaged position, while others face barriers that keep them from breaking the cycle.

3.2 Race and Gender: Bourdieu’s ideas have been widely used to examine issues related to race and gender inequality. For instance, researchers have drawn on his concept of symbolic violence to understand how race and gender are shaped within specific contexts, like workplaces or academic settings. This approach highlights how cultural stereotypes and biases become accepted and normalized as part of the dominant worldview, or doxa. Expectations tied to gender and race—such as how someone should behave, look, or perform—often influence people’s experiences in different social spaces, perpetuating existing power dynamics.

4. Politics and Power: Bourdieu’s theory of practice offers a valuable lens for analyzing power dynamics in politics, governance, and social movements. It can be broken down into more specific applications:

4.1 Political Field: Within the political arena, individuals and groups compete for power and influence, leveraging various forms of capital. Political elites typically hold significant symbolic capital—such as prestige and legitimacy—and cultural capital, including intellectual expertise or influential connections. These resources allow them to sustain their authority and shape public narratives. Bourdieu’s theory highlights how political ideologies and policies often align with the interests of dominant groups who control both symbolic and economic resources in the field.

A key aspect of this is Bourdieu’s concept of symbolic violence. Political elites employ symbolic violence to legitimize their power by framing their interests as universal or natural. For instance, neoliberal economic policies are often portrayed as logical or inevitable, even though they primarily serve the interests of the wealthy. This framing reinforces their dominance while obscuring the unequal distribution of benefits.

4.2 Social Movements: Bourdieu’s framework is also useful for examining social movements, particularly how marginalized groups organize and challenge existing power structures. Social movements can be understood as efforts to disrupt and reconfigure the dynamics within a field by contesting established norms (doxa) and redistributing capital. Activists often strive to build cultural capital, such as credibility, and social capital, like networks, to effectively challenge dominant groups and advocate for change. Through these efforts, they aim to shift the balance of power and create space for alternative perspectives and practices.

5. Religion: Bourdieu’s ideas have been widely used to analyze religion, offering a unique lens to understand how religious systems operate. He argued that religious spaces, much like other social arenas, are shaped by competition for symbolic influence. Religious organizations vie to establish and control what counts as legitimate practices and beliefs. For instance, the church wields significant symbolic power by determining what is considered “sacred” and what is deemed “profane,” effectively molding the mindset and behaviours of its adherents.

A key concept from Bourdieu, symbolic violence, is particularly useful in explaining how religious institutions enforce certain values and norms. These imposed beliefs often become so deeply ingrained in individuals that they shape their worldview, frequently reinforcing existing hierarchies and power dynamics.

From this perspective, Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice emerges as a versatile and thorough framework for analyzing a wide range of social phenomena. Whether it’s education, cultural production, political power struggles, or social inequality, his ideas shed light on how power and inequality are perpetuated, challenged, and redefined across different contexts. By exploring the interplay between habitus, field, and capital, Bourdieu’s work provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of social reproduction and change. His influence extends across multiple disciplines, including sociology, anthropology, political science, cultural studies, and education, making his theories a cornerstone of contemporary social analysis.

Critical Evaluation of Bourdieu’s Theory

Pierre Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice offers a comprehensive framework for analyzing how social structures persist and change through everyday actions. By introducing core concepts such as habitus, field, capital, and symbolic violence, Bourdieu provides a nuanced approach to understanding the interplay between social systems and individual behaviour. While his contributions are highly influential, they have also sparked debate and criticism among scholars. While Pierre Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice provides a powerful framework for understanding the interplay between structure, agency, and power, it is not without its limitations. Following points can be considered for the criticisms/limitations of the theory of practice:

1. Ambiguity of Habitus: Some critics argue that the concept of habitus is too vague, making it difficult to clearly define or measure in research. Its broad application can sometimes dilute its analytical precision.

2. Emphasis on Social Reproduction: Bourdieu’s work is often seen as overly focused on the continuity of social structures, leaving insufficient room for social transformation and resistance. This has led to criticism that the theory leans toward determinism.

3. Neglect of Emotional and Psychological Factors: Bourdieu’s framework largely prioritizes cultural and structural elements, with limited attention given to emotional or psychological dimensions that also influence social behaviour.

4. Cultural and Geographic Specificity: Some scholars argue that Bourdieu’s ideas are heavily influenced by European contexts, particularly French society, and may not be universally applicable in different cultural and social settings.

5. Gender and Intersectionality: Feminist scholars have pointed out that Bourdieu’s work insufficiently addresses gender as a key factor in social stratification. While he acknowledged gender dynamics later in his career, it remained a secondary focus.

Despite these criticisms, Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice continues to be a critical tool for understanding the complexities of social life. Its adaptability to various fields and its insights into power and inequality have made it an enduring framework in social research. However, contemporary scholars have sought to build on and modify his ideas, incorporating considerations of gender, intersectionality, and non-Western perspectives to address its limitations.

In other words, it can be emphasised that despite the challenges/criticisms mentioned above, Bourdieu’s ideas remain highly influential, and scholars continue to adapt and expand his concepts to address the critiques and apply them to new contexts. This ongoing engagement underscores the enduring relevance and utility of his work in the social sciences.

References:

Outline of Theory of Practice, by Pierre Bourdieu, https://amzn.in/d/7FCs24u

Sociological Theory, by George Ritzer, https://amzn.in/d/5BXg0aj

About Author

  • Dr. Mohinder Slariya have teaching experience of more than 26 years in Sociology. His has contributed this experience in shaping textbook for sociology students across Himachal Pradesh, Dibrugarh, Gauhati, Itanagar and Nagaland universities. So far, he has contributed 80 syllabus, edited, reference and research based books published by different publishers across the globe. Completed 5 research projects in India and 4 international, contributed 23 research papers, 10 chapters in edited books, participated in 15 international conference abroad, 35 national and international conferences in India.
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