The Logic of Practices in Pierre Bourdieu

Abstract

This work proposes a comparative critical approach to the terms in which Pierre Bourdieu formulates, on one hand, the theory of practices and, on the other, those implicit in what he calls ‘public position taking’, a theory of social change. The question that guides the article is: to what degree is the logic of practices contained in the theory of action that the author develops and defends in his scientific works consistent with that enunciated in his public interventions when referring to conditions and mechanisms for change? The analysis leads to a consideration of an important difference between the terms in which Bourdieu analyses and explains social practices, and those he uses when depicting the conditions under which social change is possible.