A Study of Pierre Bourdieu's Theory of Inequality Through The Inheritors, Reproduction in Education, Society, and Culture, and The Logic of Practice

Abstract

This thesis examines Pierre Bourdieu's enduring contributions to sociology, focusing on three seminal works - The Inheritors: French Students and Their Relation to Culture (1979 [1964]), Reproduction in Education, Society, and Culture (1970), and The Logic of Practice (1990) - which reveal the mechanisms by which inequality is reproduced within ostensibly neutral social institutions. Through a systematic textual analysis, it traces the evolution of Bourdieu's theoretical framework, moving from empirical critiques of education to a comprehensive theory of social practice. Central to this research is Bourdieu's theory of practice, which reconciles the interplay between structure and agency, illustrating how social structures shape individual actions while individuals, enabled and constrained by habitus and capital, navigate these structures. The study critically engages with Bourdieu's key concepts - habitus, field, and capital - and their roles in perpetuating inequality through symbolic violence and cultural reproduction. It bridges Bourdieu's insights with those of Marx and Gramsci, emphasizing shared themes of power dynamics and cultural hegemony. The synthesis chapter integrates Bourdieu's ideas across his seminal texts while addressing critiques of structural determinism from scholars such as Raymond Boudon, Patricia Broadfoot, and Paul Vogt. It highlights the adaptability of Bourdieu's framework to contemporary challenges, including educational inequities and broader societal dynamics, underscoring his focus on reflexivity and agency. By connecting theoretical abstraction with practical strategies, this thesis advances sociological discourse, offering actionable insights into mechanisms of inequality and reaffirming Bourdieu's legacy as a foundational figure in contemporary sociology.