In this major work, Bourdieu examines the distinctive forms of power - political, intellectual, bureaucratic and economic - by means of which contemporary societies are governed. What kinds of competence are claimed by the bureaucrats and technocrats who administer our societies? And how do those who govern come to gain the recognition of those who are governed by them?

Bourdieu examines in detail the work of consecration which is carried out by the educational system - and especially in France by the grandes ecoles. The work of consecration can be seen in operation in different historical periods, whenever a nobility is produced. Today the socially recognized groups function according to a logic similar to that which characterized the divisions between high and low in the ancien regime. Today this state nobility is the heir - structural and sometimes even genealogical - of the noblesse de robe which, in order to consolidate its position in relation to other forms of power, had to construct the modern state and the republican myths, meritocracy and civil service which went along with it.

Bourdieu examines the mechanisms which produce the kind of nobility displayed by those who govern, and the recognition granted to them by those who are governed by them.

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

Reviews
"Since the 1960s Pierre Bourdieu's terrific constancy has been there to hold us to the vision and divisions of criticism, detachment, reason, truth ... [This book is an] enormous addition to his vast architecture." Times Higher Education Supplement

"This is a book ... which presents a stimulating argument." Sociology

"If you wish to understand how France's grandes ecoles have achieved such influence you need look no further than The State Nobility ... characteristic combination of original concepts, innovative analysis and a huge array of empirical evidence ... strongly recommended." British Journal of Sociology

"Both The Rules of Art and State Nobility are dazzling examples of the way in which Bourdieu imposes order on an overwhelming wealth of empirical material ... these books represent important developments in Bourdieu's thought and confirm his status as one of today's most stimulating and bold sociological thinkers." European Journal of Social Theory

Book Information
ISBN 9780745608242
Author Pierre Bourdieu
Format Hardback
Page Count 504
Imprint Polity Press
Publisher John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Weight(grams) 851g
Dimensions(mm) 237mm * 161mm * 42mm