A Cultural Debate

The Philosophical and Political Background of Pierre Bourdieu's Sociology

Abstract

This article aims to discuss Pierre Bourdieu’s sociology within the context of the problem of culture. The primary issue to be addressed is epistemology. The most original aspect of Bourdieu’s sociology lies in his construction of a highly functional—and, in terms of its implications, creative—theoretical framework using concepts such as field, game, capital, and habitus. This set of concepts, functioning as an alternative theoretical backdrop, achieves its full potential when addressing a fundamental problem: Bourdieu interprets the concept of capital broadly enough to encompass culture and social relations. Within this expansive definition of capital, the role culture plays in social inequalities is of critical importance. Furthermore, addressing capital in conjunction with culture and economics has strengthened the sociological basis for the critique of capitalism. By introducing a pedagogical dimension to the debate on inequality, Bourdieu argues that educational institutions reproduce social hierarchies in favor of the upper classes. However, the framework proposed by the thinker has faced criticism on several fronts. First, Bourdieu’s sociology borders on determinism; he tends to over-rationalize social relations. This rationalist structuralism fails to account for the individual's spontaneous freedom. The second issue concerns popular culture. A fundamental sociological tendency is that the universality of popular culture diminishes class distinctions in favor of the lowest common denominator. Finally, viewing education solely as an institution of inequality—especially in light of the massive changes wrought upon the social structure by compulsory, free education—is an overly one-sided perspective.