WHO IS PIERRE BOURDIEU?
Pierre Bourdieu is a French sociologist, anthropologist, philosopher and a Marxist. He was born in France in 1930 and taught sociology and anthropology at the University of Paris from 1960 to 1962, and at the University of Lille from 1962 to 1964. Bourdieu became very interested in the class structure in society and the issue of dominant power by one class. He believed that the main things that caused the differences between the social classes were education and culture. He became very popular and in the 1980s become one of the French sociologists most cited in the United States. Throughout his career as a marxist theorist he wrote many books and articles. His most famous book, Distinction: A Social Critique of the Judgement of Taste, published in 1984, was listed in the 10 most important sociology works by the International Sociological Association.
To learn more about Marxism click HERE.
Here are some sites to learn about Bourdieu's theories:
Some other Marxists:
Applying Marxism:
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is an example of masculine domination, the weakness of females and the social status defined by one's appearance. The males in the novel show off their honor and masculinity by being members of the army, a violent group. Most of the females are only concerned with finding a husband, and attempt to find the man with the most wealth and greatest social status. The women place emphasize on objects, such as the men's large houses, and also the men's achievements. However, Elizabeth fights against the typical image of women in the time period. For example, when she goes to visit her sister Jane at the Bingley's mansion, she walks over through the mud and rain, an uncommon action of women at the time. She fights against the stereotypical image of women and many other women in the novel are appalled by her rebelling actions. Many Marxists, specifically Bourdieu, discuss the typical roles of gender in society and the male domination over females. Pride and Prejudice is an example of these typical roles yet it also provides a contrast against stereotypes.
The LIGERS web pages:
Webpage done by Jamie Hanssen (to learn more about me click here)