Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Bourdieu's sociology theory refers to the framework developed by French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, which examines how social structures and cultural capital shape individuals' social behaviors, preferences, and opportunities.
Cultural capital refers to the knowledge, skills, education, and cultural experiences that an individual possesses. It acts as an advantage or disadvantage in social interactions and can impact one's access to resources and opportunities.
Habitus: Habitus refers to the set of deeply ingrained habits, dispositions, and preferences that are acquired through socialization within a particular culture or society. It influences an individual's outlook on life, tastes, and behaviors.
Social Reproduction: Social reproduction is the process through which existing social inequalities are perpetuated across generations. It occurs when individuals from privileged backgrounds pass on their advantages (such as cultural capital) to their offspring while disadvantaged individuals struggle to overcome barriers.