Introduction to two approaches to dispositionalist sociology

Pierre Bourdieu's theory of habitus and Bernard Lahire's critique of his “plural actor” model

Abstract

In this article, through a literature review, we provide a conceptual and theoretical overview of two seminal authors in the sociology of social dispositions: Pierre Bourdieu and Bernard Lahire. It will be discussed how the two perspectives approach the incorporated social and its influence on the actions of individuals, showing the differences between the two perspectives. For this undertaking, we will explain, above all, about Bourdieu's notion of habitus and how it relates to the class position of individuals, fundamental to understanding their actions and taste, in short, what the author understands by lifestyle. On the other hand, we will also see the criticisms raised by Lahire about the Bourdieusian theory, since, for this author, the theory of habitus as a principle of all actions, practices and tastes of individuals ignores the multiplicity of principles of action, as it does not see the complexity of the spheres of socialization in different contexts to which the subject is subjected.