Bourdieu, Habitus and Field

This innovative book argues that establishing an ontological framework makes a substantial difference to Pierre Bourdieus core concepts of habitus and field. In doing so it addresses the charges of determinism, tautology, and circularity that have long been directed at habitus and field. Teasing out Bourdieus ontology, the book offers a novel critical realist reading of Bourdieu, arguing that while Bourdieu explored the epistemological basis of his key concepts, he neglects their ontological underpinnings, and that elaborating on this adds a layer of depth and complexity which enriches Bourdieus project. In addition to articulating the synergies between Roy Bhaskars critical realism and Bourdieus oeuvre, this book extends Bourdieus insights in new and exciting directions by developing an ontologically informed Bourdieusian account of institutions as explored through the lens of institutional racism and by outlining a unique methodological approach to habitus.