Ebook: An Invitation to Reflexive Sociology

Over the last three decades, the French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu has produced one of the most imaginative and subtle bodies of social theory and research of the post war era. Yet, despite the influence of his work, no single introduction to his wide-ranging oeuvre is available. This book, intended for an English-speaking audience, offers a systematic and accessible overview, providing interpretive keys to the internal logic of Bourdieu's work by explicating thematic and methodological principles underlying his work. The structure of Bourdieu's theory of knowledge, practice, and society is first dissected by Loic Wacquant; he then collaborates with Bourdieu in a dialogue in which they discuss central concepts of Bourdieu's work, confront the main objections and criticisms his work has met, and outline Bourdieu's views of the relation of sociology to philosophy, economics, history, and politics. The final section captures Bourdieu in action in the seminar room as he addresses the topic of how to practice the craft of reflexive sociology. Throughout, they stress Bourdieu's emphasis on reflexivityhis inclusion of a theory of intellectual practice as an integral component of a theory of societyand on methodparticularly his manner of posing problems that permits a transfer of knowledge from one area of inquiry into another. Amplified by notes and an extensive bibliography, this synthetic view is essential reading for both students and advanced scholars. Reviewa A rare opportunity to experience a great mind in action outside the usual conventions of academic self--presentation.a Paul DiMaggio, Princeton University a The leading French sociologist of our generation, already well known through his researches and theoretical formulations, he appears here in the first person, in dialogue and in seminar, and in the magnifying glass of Loic Wacquant. One hopes the appeal of this self--presentation does not eclipse Bourdieua s other major works, for An Invitation to Reflexive Sociology promises to be Bourdieua s most widely--read book.a Randall Collins, University of California, Riverside Review'A rare opportunity to experience a great mind in action outside the usual conventions of academic self-presentation.' Paul DiMaggio, Princeton University'The leading French sociologist of our generation, already well known through his researches and theoretical formulations, he appears here in the first person, in dialogue and in seminar, and in the magnifying glass of Loic Wacquant. One hopes the appeal of this self-presentation does not eclipse Bourdieu's other major works, for An Invitation to Reflexive Sociology promises to be Bourdieu's most widely-read book.' Randall Collins, University of California, Riverside [C:UsersMicrosoftDocumentsCalibre Library]