Pierre Bourdieu was a French sociologist whose theory represented the idea of “habitus”. Habitus refers to fields, in which these fields refer to power. Within habitus, we refer to an individual’s way of behaving, thinking, and acting. Within habitus, there are five main components: first are durable, transposable positions, in which are related to the collective consciousness. Next are structured structures, which involves both an outside source and the individual. Next is the structuring structure, which is the form of structure that is currently taking place. It is a set of reproduced practices. The next elements of habitus are generated practices, which are represented in non-reflexive ways. Finally, habitus has the capacity to change. These set rules and principles are often formed and defined by certain preferences.
Within society we often find ourselves in a constructed environment that is difficult to change. Gender and racial inequalities, for example, are socially constructed and it is something we are automatically born into. Bourdieu’s theory of habitus is seen through both types of social inequalities. Gender inequality in today’s society is a solid and vivid example. When defining gender, we are simply used to the two terms: BOY or GIRL. You are socially defined the moment the doctor says, “It’s a BOY!” or “It’s a girl!” Although you’re sex is what differentiates a male and female, we are automatically born into a world of constructed gender norms. We have no control over the fact of being born a certain way. The reoccurring issue of gender inequality and strong stereotypes are something we all learn as we develop and grow older. If a newborn baby girl is wearing blue or green clothing, the baby does not recognize blue as a “color for boys.” Once the girl becomes older and socializes with other children her age, she will come to find that it is not socially acceptable for her to wear such colors because they represent male character traits. Although we try our hardest to get away from those stereotypes, it is difficult when society is constantly reinforcing actions such as these. Stereotypes and inequalities that exist today include the assumption of women being the “stay at home parent” as opposed the man of the family who is often responsible for brining the income into the home. Even when parents try extremely hard to teach their children not to follow these kinds of rules and stereotypes, many find it difficult when society, the media, and social institutions are constantly reinforcing them. Gender inequalities that question a man’s masculinity or a woman’s femininity also still exist and are reinforced.
Bourdieu’s theory of habitus illustrates a deeper understanding of current social inequalities. With gender and racial inequalities being mostly stereotyped, we ask ourselves why we continue to reinforce them-or even why they tend to reproduce themselves. Society is difficult to change when not everyone is participating to do so, and we see ourselves in a cyclical pattern of reinforced inequalities. The change may be long and difficult, but with the help of institutions, the media, and each individual, it can surely happen.
Within society we often find ourselves in a constructed environment that is difficult to change. Gender and racial inequalities, for example, are socially constructed and it is something we are automatically born into. Bourdieu’s theory of habitus is seen through both types of social inequalities. Gender inequality in today’s society is a solid and vivid example. When defining gender, we are simply used to the two terms: BOY or GIRL. You are socially defined the moment the doctor says, “It’s a BOY!” or “It’s a girl!” Although you’re sex is what differentiates a male and female, we are automatically born into a world of constructed gender norms. We have no control over the fact of being born a certain way. The reoccurring issue of gender inequality and strong stereotypes are something we all learn as we develop and grow older. If a newborn baby girl is wearing blue or green clothing, the baby does not recognize blue as a “color for boys.” Once the girl becomes older and socializes with other children her age, she will come to find that it is not socially acceptable for her to wear such colors because they represent male character traits. Although we try our hardest to get away from those stereotypes, it is difficult when society is constantly reinforcing actions such as these. Stereotypes and inequalities that exist today include the assumption of women being the “stay at home parent” as opposed the man of the family who is often responsible for brining the income into the home. Even when parents try extremely hard to teach their children not to follow these kinds of rules and stereotypes, many find it difficult when society, the media, and social institutions are constantly reinforcing them. Gender inequalities that question a man’s masculinity or a woman’s femininity also still exist and are reinforced.
Bourdieu’s theory of habitus illustrates a deeper understanding of current social inequalities. With gender and racial inequalities being mostly stereotyped, we ask ourselves why we continue to reinforce them-or even why they tend to reproduce themselves. Society is difficult to change when not everyone is participating to do so, and we see ourselves in a cyclical pattern of reinforced inequalities. The change may be long and difficult, but with the help of institutions, the media, and each individual, it can surely happen.