Reproduction in Education, Society and Culture
- Pierre Bourdieu - College de France, France
- Jean-Claude Passeron - SHADYC, Marseille
In this second edition of this classic text, which includes a new introduction by Pierre Bourdieu, the authors develop an analysis of education (in its broadest sense, encompassing more than the process of formal education). They show how education carries an essentially arbitrary cultural scheme which is actually, though not in appearance, based on power. More widely, the reproduction of culture through education is shown to play a key part in the reproduction of the whole social system.
The analysis is carried through not only in theoretical terms but through the development of empirically testable propositions within the wider framework of the historical transformation of the educational system.
Reveals new features in the analysis of social classes and political power. Arising probably from the intense interest in cultural dominance and cultural revolution that emerged in radical movements... these investigations connect cultural phenomena firmly within the structural characteristics of a society, and begin to show how a culture produced by this structure in turn helps to maintain it.
The most striking successes of their work are their redefinitions of the very character of educational research... There is an especially brilliant discussion of the relations between a traditional literary culture and selection for arts courses.
Overly complex for an introductory course. Useful as teacher support but not for general consumption at the level I teach
Very good for extending student knowledge of Sociology and how it is influenced by culture, family, wider society, social norms and values. Most students were not aware of his work and were able to understand how class can influence learning, progression, status and success. Some are intending to purchase it to read more thoroughly around the subject
This is a canonical book which I will be happy to recommend to my students. It addresses challenging areas of sociology which are directly applicable to their studies.
A classic text on the interplay between habitus, fields and doxa in the sphere of education. Bourdieu's entertaining foreword to the 1990 edition rejects the view of this book as being "structuralist" and dismisses "pompous" academic terms such as "paradigms". This is a highly influential piece of research that demonstrates how class and social inequalities are reproduced in higher education. Essential reading for anyone working or studying at a university or school.
A classic book which I would highly recommend for those who are social researchers. There are growing number of undergraduates who are making a good attempt in applying the theoretical framework introduced in this book.
Useful for those doing dissertations in the area
I may recommend this book for supplimental reading but not what I had hoped it would be
Recommended as further reading to students interested in expanding their theoretical views on education and society. Oftentimes heavy going but worth the effort.
