Over the last three decades, Pierre Bourdieu has produced one of the most imaginative and subtle bodies of social theory and research of the post war era. Yet, despite the his influence, no single introduction to his wide-ranging work is available. This book offers a systematic and accessible overview, providing interpretative keys to the internal logic of Bourdieu's work by explicating thematic and methodological principles underlying his work.

Firstly Loic Wacquant provides a clear and systematic account of the main themes of Bourdieu's work, outlining his conception of knowledge, his theory of practice and his distinctive methods of analysis. In the second part of the book Wacquant collaborates with Bourdieu to discuss the central concepts of Bourdieu's work, confront some criticisms and objections, and develop Bourdieu's views on the relations between sociology, philosophy, history and politics. Finally Bourdieu displays his sociological approach in practice: beginning with the practical demands of research, he moves, step by step, to a formulation of the principles of sociological reason.

Supplemented by an extensive and up-to-date bibliography, this book will be essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand Bourdieu's unique and outstanding contribution to contemporary social thought.

About the Author
Pierre Bourdieu was Professor of Sociology at the College de France.

Loic Wacquant is Professor of Sociology at the University of California-Berkeley and Researcher at the Centre de sociologie europeenne-Paris.

Reviews
'A rare opportunity to experience a great mind in action outside the usual conventions of academic self-presentation.'
Paul DiMaggio, Princeton University

'The leading French sociologist of our generation, already well known through his researches and theoretical formulations, he appears here in the first person, in dialogue and in seminar, and in the magnifying glass of Loic Wacquant. One hopes the appeal of this self-presentation does not eclipse Bourdieu's other major works, for An Invitation to Reflexive Sociology promises to be Bourdieu's most widely-read book.'
Randall Collins, University of California, Riverside

"This is essential reading for anyone considering Bourdieuian-based educational research."
Educational Review

Book Information
ISBN 9780745610337
Author Pierre Bourdieu
Format Paperback
Page Count 336
Imprint Polity Press
Publisher John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Weight(grams) 510g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 155mm * 19mm