A Negative Sociology of the State: Thinking the State with Pierre Bourdieu

Abstract

This article explores Pierre Bourdieu’s theory on the state’s pivotal role in producing and perpetuating social order, symbolic power, and domination. Bourdieu challenges the traditional view of the state as a monolithic entity and emphasizes its function as a generator of symbolic capital. According to Bourdieu, the state is the central bank of symbolic capital, confers privileges and authorizations upon social actors, thereby cements its position as the monopoly of legitimate symbolic violence. He contends that the state operates within a universe of belief, much like a sorcerer, and its power lies in its capacity to make itself invisible while maintaining social order. By examining the state as a meta-field, Bourdieu challenges conventional state theories, uncovering the underlying power dynamics and interests within the bureaucratic sphere. In conclusion, Bourdieu’s multifaceted perspective on the state provides a robust framework for understanding the intricate interplay of symbolic power, domination, and social order. This article highlights the importance of critically analysing the state’s role in shaping collective beliefs and underscores the necessity of comprehensively understanding state power, encompassing both its symbolic and material dimensions.