4-11 Bourdieu I: Reading Questions

Reading Questions for Bourdieu, "Social Space and Symbolic Space" and "Structures, Habitus, Practices"

1. Explain what the classic "false divides" of sociology are and how Bourdieu attempts to overcome them-- For example, what are the problems with subjectivist and objectivist accounts of social action, and how can Bourdieu's sociology attempt to solve both sets of problems?

2. Explain the components of Bourdieu's "relational analysis" -- positions, position-taking, and habitus.

3. Define Bourdieu's concept of habitus-- What is it, and how does it shape our action in the world? Give an example of how habitus operates in everyday social life.