Subjectivity: Bourdieu, Therborn, and Synthesis

• In Event: 557 - Theory Section Refereed Roundtable Session and Business Meeting
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 04. Bourdieu, Social Capital, and Subjectivity

Abstract

This paper synthesizes the theories of Pierre Bourdieu and Göran Therborn into a unified theory of subjectivity. Therborn conceptualizes conscious subjectivity but fails to capture unconscious subjectivity, while Bourdieu does the reverse. For both, subjectivity explains social stability and the possibilities for social change. I argue that the unconscious subjectivity processes Bourdieu identifies and the conscious subjectivity processes Therborn identifies operate simultaneously in real subjectivity formation. Bourdieu enriches Therborn with a theory of dispositions, and Therborn corrects Bourdieu with a theory of mental agency. Subjection targets habitus, and habitus combined with interpellation qualifies for field position. Field position then subjects the next generation via habitus inculcation. This synthesized theory encompasses both subjectivity and macro-social reproduction. It accepts the habitus concept but rejects habitus as the exclusive source of subjectivity. We can have a theory of unconscious dispositions while preserving the individual will’s capacity to form conscious beliefs.

Author

• Matthew Lawrence Kearney, University of Wisconsin-Madison