by Ciaran Burke (Editor), Jenny Thatcher (Editor), Jessie Abrahams (Editor), Nicola Ingram (Editor)
This book will give unique insight into how a new generation of Bourdieusian researchers apply Bourdieu to contemporary issues. It will provide a discussion of the working mechanisms of thinking through and/or with Bourdieu when analysing data. In each chapter, individual authors discuss and reflect upon their own research and the ways in which they put Bourdieu to work. The aim of this book is not to just to provide examples of the development of Bourdieusian research, but for each author to reflect on the ways in which they came across Bourdieu's work, why it speaks to them (including a reflexive consideration of their own background), and the way in which it is thus useful in their thinking. Many of the authors were introduced to Bourdieu's works after his death. The research problems which the individual authors tackle are contextualised in a different time and space to the one Bourdieu occupied when he was developing his conceptual framework. This book will demonstrate how his concepts can be applied as thinking tools to understand contemporary social reality. Throughout Bourdieu's career, he argued that sociologists need to create an epistemological break, to abandon our common sense - or as much as we can - and to formulate findings from our results. In essence, we are putting Bourdieu to work to provide a structural constructivist approach to social reality anchored through empirical reflexivity.
Format: Illustrated
Pages: 196
Edition: 1
Publisher: Routledge
Published: 21 Dec 2015
ISBN 10: 1138910465
ISBN 13: 9781138910461
'The development of Bourdieu's intellectual heritage in UK sociology' is a wonderful, exhilarating read, full of innovative ideas and new ways of thinking about perennial social concerns from social mobility to migration. Its wide-ranging, fascinating insights into how Bourdieu's thinking can be developed for the 21st century breathe fresh life into established social theories. It is a 'must-read' not only for those trying to make sense of Bourdieu but for everyone interested in wider philosophical and political issues of inequality, identity and the role of the state.
Diane Reay, Professor of Education, Cambridge University, UK
This book is a truly refreshing and accessible account of Bourdieu's work; it breaks with the traditional jargon filled sociological work of the past whilst still managing to discuss highly complex ideas. The authors each strike a delicate balance between discussing research, theory and personal experience. I would recommend this book to all students with an interest in inequality and Bourdieusian sociology.
Annabel Wilson, PhD Student, Cardiff University, UK
This book engages critically with the deficiencies of Bourdieu's model to provide a more robust theoretical base which accommodates for the changing dynamics of contemporary society.within Bourdieu: The Next Generation undertones of equality and transparency are evident throughout; a book which simplifies a complexus of theory into an accessible, fluid and illuminative format.
Joe McMullan, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research (CRESR), Sheffield Hallam University, UK, Sociological Research Online
The book is highly recommended for anyone working in sciences who is particularly interested in the (re)production of inequalities of different forms and contexts.
Kishor K. Poh, Jawaharial Nehru University, India, Network, British Sociological Association