Quantifying Theory: Pierre Bourdieu

Pierre Bourdieus contributions to the theory and practice of social research are far reaching. Possibly the most prominent sociologist in recent times, his work has touched on a myriad of topics and has influenced scholars in multiple disciplines. Throughout Bourdieus work, emphasis is placed on the linkage between the practice of social research and its relationship to social theory. This book honours Bourdieus commitment to the inextricable relationship between social theory and research in social science. In this volume, authors from all over the world utilize key concepts coined by Bourdieu, specifically his concept of capitals, habitus, and the field, and attempt to test them using quantitative survey data.

The focus of this volume is how researchers can take key elements of Bourdieus work and apply them to the analysis of quantitative data on a variety of topics. Throughout the volume, issues of the possible interpretations of concepts and measurement validity are focused upon in a language that can be appreciated by new and experienced researchers alike. This volume is useful for courses where the linkage between theory and research is emphasized, at both the upper undergraduate and general postgraduate level. In addition to serving as a teaching tool, the articles within the volume will be invaluable to any scholar interested in working with Bourdieus concepts in quantitative research.

Karen Robson is an assistant professor of Sociology at York University, as well as a Marie Curie Research Fellow at the Geary Institute at University College Dublin (Ireland) and an Associate at the Centre for Research on the Wider Benefits of Learning at the Institute of Education in London (UK). She has recently co-authored a research methods text book with Lawrence Neuman entitled Basics of Social Research: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. In addition to teaching methods at the graduate and undergraduate level, as well as specialized courses in the statistical software package Stata, she has also published articles in peer reviewed journals, including European Sociological Review, Ethnic and Racial Studies, Research on Social Stratification and Mobility, and Public Health.

Chris Sanders is a doctoral candidate in the department of Sociology at York University in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. His research interests include the sociology of health and illness, uses of digital technology, and the Internet as a methodological research tool. He teaches research methods at the undergraduate level. Recently, he has presented research papers at academic conferences and currently has single and co-authored articles under peer review for the journals AIDS Care and Culture, Health& Sexuality.